It is April, and many of our schools have moved beyond the test preparation part of the year and into the actual testing. This year, across the country new tests are being given, aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Although the content of the tests remains cloaked in secrecy, fiercely guarded by vigilant minions of the testing companies, a new online forum was launched this week to gather public feedback about the tests. TestingTalk.org was opened for public comments on March 30, and is actively soliciting input from parents, teachers, and students regarding their experiences with the new tests.
The site's mission states:
This site provides a space for you to share your observations of standardized tests your students are taking this year. What works? What doesn't? Whether your district is giving its own, CC aligned test or is piloting PARCC or Smarter Balanced, we want to pass the microphone to you, the people closest to the students being tested. The world needs to hear your stories, insights, and suggestions. Our goal is collective accountability and responsiveness through a national, online conversation.
