Assessment Myths

Educators, both teachers and administrators alike are not happy that assessment demands are intruding on day-to-day teaching and learning.  There are a few practical and constructive strategies that can help them (and their students) cope with this new reality.
The three biggest testing myths and what teachers can do about them are as follows:

1.  They've got to learn it all; it's on the test!
      All teachers are understandably overwhelmed by the huge task of helping students master the content necessary to succeed on standardized tests.  Teachers can resolve this by sticking firmly to good pedagogy and effective practice.  Showing students how to connect the dots in smaller ways through concept mapping, allows students to visualize how ideas are related to one another.

2.  You are what they score.
      When scores are published, schools are often labeled with a ranking.  The atmosphere in which a teacher's value is equal to the test results of the school.  Instead, teachers should let go of the scores and focus on student growth.  Teachers should ask and reflect on how their own teaching contributed to the students' success or lack of.

3.  I am powerless over the test.
     Teachers have an overwhelming long list of duties including teaching.  This list includes bookkeeper, technology expert, data analyst, librarian, nurse, defendant, and more.  Teachers must pick their battles and accept what they cannot control.  This acceptance is empowering.

The accountability factor is as choppy as ever, but teachers needn't be overwhelmed.  Teachers must stand firm in the belief that their decisions are based on what they believe to be in the best interest of their students.  Teachers must build on what they know works.