Everyone knows how I feel about the The Big Ugly, uh, I mean the TAKS test. Since I moved to Texas after teaching in New Jersey and Missouri, I often compared the assessment procedures of the three states and find Texas to be the most meaningless. However, is that really true? Every state needs some sort of accountability system to ensure that the students know what they were expected to learn, along with a check system for teachers to make sure that the classroom is a place that is conducive for meaningful learning. However, a paper and pencil test doesn't neccesarily measure a child's ability to produce, nor accurately measure what they know. Also, just because a student passes or not, doesn't mean the teacher can or can not teach. Therefore, I'm a proponent of alternative means of assessment such as student digital portfolios, but that is not the point of today's assignment blog. Our state believes that the TAKS test or some variation of it determines student success in the future. No one can predict the future, but do you believe that this particular test sets the precedent of what your future will look like?
Today's blog will require you to think about that last statement and respond by letting everyone know what you think about the TAKS test's ability to determine your success or lack of success in your future. Does it have an affect?
Title Your Blog: Future Quest
Happy Blogging!
