High-Stakes Testing is a Social Justice Issue
And here is why.
by Jon Greenberg and Gerardine Carroll
Few things please parents more than learning that their children are invigorated about and engaged in their education, perhaps deconstructing the representation of womenthrough a media literacy unit or trying Columbus for possible crimes against humanity – activities that represent education at its best.
Unfortunately, however, too many students are coming home from school deflated, defeated, and disillusioned.
Why?
The high-stakes testing season is in full swing.
What are high-stakes tests?
Tests are considered high-stakes when they are tied to major consequences, such as graduation.
But this year’s season is anything but business as usual. Instead, we are experiencing thelargest revolt against high-stakes testing ever, as historic numbers of families from New York to Seattle opt their children out, refusing to subject them to what is too often education at its worst.
The revolt has even recruited Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, who let loose an 18-minute barrage against standardized testing.
Why are so many people are opting out?
1. High-Stakes Test Scores Correlate More with Socioeconomic Status Than Student Learning
As teachers, it’s a tough truth to swallow that our brilliant teaching isn’t the primary High-Stakes Testing is a Social Justice Issue | Seattle Education:
