Standardized Tests - Greg Abbott's Townhall 254

This topic contains 6 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by Kristen Holt Patterson 10 years ago.

Standardized Tests

Started by Kristen Holt Patterson

There is a growing movement against standardized tests and against companies like Pearson that have had so much control of not just what is taught in the classroom, but how, leaving many schools drilling Pearson practice tests. Has Greg Abbott explored any other options for assessing progress besides standardized tests? How would he give more control for the end piece of education to go back to teachers?

The forum ‘Discussion with Sen. Donna Campbell’ is closed to new topics and replies.

6

Replies

Donna Campbell, 10 years ago

We made substantial reductions in standardized testing in the last legislative session. I do believe it is reasonable to expect a measure of accountability to make sure the educational needs of our children are being met. Regarding who conducts testing, I believe competition breeds excellence, not only in education but in every sector of public policy. Thank you, Kristen, for your excellent question.

Julie Jumes, 10 years ago

Does statewide standardization and testing of young children breed excellence?

Julie Jumes, 10 years ago

Julie Jumes, 10 years ago

Might the frustration with such in our kids be the reason for the rise in bullying that has many leaving public schools to find low cost, safe private options?

Julie Zuber, 10 years ago

Competition, yes, but Pearson is reputed to have a corner on the market. News has trickled down that Pearson lobbyists have made said competition null and void. Is there truth to that? Who are Pearson’s competitors? Agreed! It is reasonable to expect a measure of accountability, but how many years has Texas been giving standardized tests? Decades! I remember taking them. What is the research conclusion on decades worth of standardized testing? How is that conclusion impacting today’s measures?

Kristen Holt Patterson, 10 years ago

It seems to me that politicians think the only way to hold students and teachers accountable is through standardized tests. Your answer seems to lean that way. There are other ways to assess progress. I hope for the sake of our children and future leaders that there will be a paradigm shift away from these types of tests.

The forum ‘Discussion with Sen. Donna Campbell’ is closed to new topics and replies.