Falling Scores, rising blame

This past week, the state of Michigan Department of Education released a report that MEAP scores,the standardized tests given every fall in Michigan, are falling across the board. All kinds of fingers are being pointed. So, who, or what, is to blame.

First of all, let me say that I don't believe that these tests are worth the time, money or effort that is put into them. Some children just don't test well. Others just don't care enough. In my opinion, the tests aren't about what the students learned, but more about putting teachers on the spot. That said, something has to be done to put a stop to the brain drain occurring in our public schools.

I don't teach to the test. Michigan, in it's infinite wisdom, changed the date of the test last year from February to October, which probably accounts for at least some of the reason why the scores fell-the kids just weren't ready. In my classes, the skills are what are taught-how to comprehend questions so the answers can be found, how to write a literate essay, etc. It needs to be taken into account that some schools, such as the one I teach in, have children at-risk in various areas-academically, emotionally, physically. Trust me, if you've had no heat, and nothing to eat for a few days, doing well on this test is not at the top of your priority list.

Another thing: I wonder how many of the so-called experts who write these tests have ever sat down and completed one? A few years ago, my colleagues and I, all of whom had teaching certifications and several of whom had advanced degrees in their subject areas, took the High School social studies test. Guess what? We didn't do very well. The questions are ambiguous and confusing, at best. Some of the questions could have several different answers. The answers given, all multiple choice, are not always clear.

So now what? How about going back to the old-fashioned notion of not only holding the teachers accountable, but holding parents and students accountable as well? I'm tired of being the whipping girl for school boards and newspapers. I work hard at what I do-why aren't the parents and students working as hard to make sure that they achieve. And instead of making me the sole responsible person, how about those administrators who don't seem to understand that until teachers get more support in the classroom, chances are that things won't change.

Any thoughts out there?