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They do. In CA there is standardized testing every year. In addition to that, in core classes (English, math, science) there are Periodic Assessments 2-3 times a year (depending on the subject) which are supposed to track what is being learned throughout the year.
In fact, there is so much testing that teachers end up using a great deal of instructional time teaching kids to pass tests instead of teaching them to think. I know there needs to be some regulation but it's getting out of hand.
They do. Here in Colorado we have the CSAP, which stands for Colorado Student Assessment Program. It tests the students, and thereby the teachers.
Each state has a standarized test that is tailored to match the academic standards of that state. Each year certain grade levels are given these tests in math, reading and writing. Many states are adding other tests, such as science.
A school has to make sure a certain percentage of the total students taking the tests meet the standards. Also, sub-groups, such as special education and minority students, are looked at to see what percentage of those students meet the standards. A certain percentage of all sub-groups have to take the test or the school fails to make Annual Yearly Progress or AYP. A school can fail to make AYP overall or in a subgroup.
They generally do and they generally have to post them on a public web site
Even though it could help to test a child, there are many things that tests do not show about a student.
They do. In VA it is called SOL's- Standards of Learning but we are teaching too much to the test with no room for spontaneity
CA has the CBEST (basic reading, writing, and math for everyone) and CSET (content for candidates without the necessary units in the subject they want to teach).
The big mistake of the education pundits is not understanding that poor teachers have content knowledge. Poor teachers lack classroom management skills. And in some schools, no one has the classroom managment skills to teach well in a community that does not support education.
The standardized testing does occur; however, it is riddled with issues: biased tests, lack of accountability to the student and/or teacher, language barriers, etc.
I teach the standards and then go above and beyond...however, sometimes I feel as if my creativity as a teacher is being confined because of all the standards I must teach. Sometimes I wish I could teach the really cool stuff the standards ignore.
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