The bill, HB48, would eliminate four end of course tests in the areas of history, civics and economics, Algebra II and Physical Science. A fiscal note with the bill indicates the move would save nearly $3 million. A representative of the Department of Public Instruction opposed the measure but the teacher organizations in the state spoke in favor of the bill. A National Board Certified, veteran teacher told me besides saving a lot of money it would help with morale and relieve some stress on teachers and students. The bill now goes to the House floor.
This is a good move for the state. The use of standardized testing has, for some time, come to be seen as extremely stressful and often counter-productive to both students and teachers. As an assessment tool for teacher performanc it has no value at all. Afterall, only about 33% of staffs even teach EOC courses and , for example, the data used to establish bench marks is often not even based upon reality! The Civics anticipated scores and growth numbers, for example, are not even created using prior history and civics related information concerning the indivudual students and often reflect a potential that has nothing to do with the Civics’ exam at all! Clearly, using such false data as benchmarks is flawed and, in the final analysis, useless. Eliminate testing and give teachers the autonomy back, they will not disappoint you.