ARNE DUNCAN STILL BEATING THE STANDARDIZED TESTING HORSE
Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education, has been on a mission to save America's education system. His solution? Standardized testing. Yes, you heard that right. The same tests that have been criticized for narrowing the curriculum, promoting teaching to the test, and causing undue stress for students and teachers alike.
But Arne Duncan is not deterred. He recently declared that the drop in education testing scores is a "national emergency." And he's not alone in his crusade. Many politicians and education reformers believe that standardized testing is the key to improving our schools. But is it really?
Let's take a deep dive into this issue. First of all, let's talk about the tests themselves. Standardized tests are designed to be objective measures of student learning. But the reality is that they often reflect socioeconomic status more than anything else. Students from wealthier families tend to do better on these tests, while students from low-income families struggle.
And let's not forget about the pressure that these tests put on students and teachers. Students are told that their entire future hinges on their performance on these tests. Teachers are evaluated based on their students' test scores, which can lead to a narrow focus on test preparation rather than a well-rounded education.
But Arne Duncan seems to think that standardized testing is the solution to all of our problems. He's beating a dead horse with this one. Standardized testing has been around for decades, and yet our education system still struggles. Maybe it's time to try something new.
So what's the alternative? Well, for starters, we could focus on creating a more equitable education system. This means providing resources and support to low-income schools and students. It means valuing a well-rounded education that includes art, music, and physical education, not just math and reading.
We could also focus on developing assessments that are more authentic and reflective of real-world skills. For example, instead of a multiple-choice test, students could demonstrate their learning through a project or presentation.
And let's not forget about the importance of teacher autonomy and creativity. Teachers should be trusted to design assessments that are meaningful and relevant to their students.
In conclusion, standardized testing is not the solution to our education woes. It's time to move past this outdated approach and focus on creating a more equitable and well-rounded education system. So Arne Duncan, please stop beating that dead horse. It's time for a new approach.
Arne Duncan: Drop in education testing scores is a ‘national emergency’ https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/arne-duncan-drop-in-education-testing-scores-is-a-national-emergency-183879749841
Arne Duncan: Drop in education testing scores is a ‘national emergency’ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/arne-duncan-drop-education-testing-210345029.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr via @Yahoo