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Permalink Reply by Carol Corbett Burris on February 10, 2013 at 9:31am

So, we learned that test scores correlate with test scores.  Thank you Mr. Gates!  What a brilliant conclusion. You are a peach.

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Permalink Reply by Dr. Michael L. Cubbin on February 10, 2013 at 9:54am

"Student feedback, test-score growth calculations, and observations of practice appear to pick up different but complementary information that, combined, can provide a balanced and accurate picture of teacher performance, according to research recently released from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation." I do not have a subscription to EdWeek, but I continue to be baffled by the idea that removing standardized test scores from our evaluations will somehow help us produce a better educated student. I have taught here over a decade and in Asia as well. I have spoken in depth with many parents from many different countries and when the subject of eliminating standardized testing comes up, most foreign-born parent ask, "Why?"

If we really want to become more "global" in our efforts, we will do what much of the rest of the world does. We will maintain a standard (testing apparatus) by which our students can be objectively measured.

Note - I recently assisted in grading the New York State Living Environment (paper) and Earth science (scanned) Regents tests. The June tests will be graded much more objectively. No more, "I believe he was thinking this" or "She probably meant to write that." The scanning of the tests provided a much more objective and (I believe) accurate rendering of what our students have actually learned and memorized. If you didn't grade two weeks ago, you need to be prepared for what June will bring. Make sure you cover the wording of the Regents questions as you do your mock Regents in preparation for the end of the year testing.

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Permalink Reply by Carol Corbett Burris on February 10, 2013 at 11:21am

Actually, Dr. Cubbin, most of the successful countries are not driven by a "testing apparatus".  

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Permalink Reply by Dr. Michael L. Cubbin on February 10, 2013 at 11:49am

Ms. Burris,

I am not referring to the "exceptional" countries (Finland, for example, at or near the top, but look at the teachers.) I am referring to a more "global" attitude, as is the popular attitude.

Additionally, teaching is still the one field where the bulk of our members feel that the the "fruits of our labors" need not be validated via standardized testing as they were just a short time ago. It is analogous to not assigning homework as the students just won't do it. Just because our students are not doing as well, does not mean we pull the test. Our standardized tests (particularly the Regents) are as easy as they have ever been, yet our kids are having more miserable results than ever before. Taking away the test will not solve the problem. Just as taking the battery out of the smoke alarm when it is wailing will not put out the fire. Solve the problem.

And as far as other countries, those who have taught in China, as I have, understand the usefulness of standardized examinations. They produce the best and the brightest.

I am not one to dissect minutia, as is being done in every school, every day. I am kind of a "What is best for the majority" teacher. How do we bring the bulk of students up to the top rather than to find a way to seek the lower common denominator?

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