Monday, November 24, 2008
Not On The Test
I really enjoyed the "not on the test" music video. I think it is sad how important doing well on standardized tests has become in schools at the expense of so many other learning opportunities. Since the scores of these tests now hold so much weight for the future of the teacher, school and district, these tests have become the sole focus of the entire school year. Many districts now even write their whole curriculum around the content of the test to be taken. As the music video says often the art and music programs and other elective classes suffer as money and time are taken from them and given to test preparation programs. Some schools have even completely discontinued some of their electives to save money and keep the focus on academics. The problem with this test obsession is that learning becomes all about simple drills on reading, writing and math. Students do not get the same quality of instruction in other subjects, and even worse, they do not get as much of the type of instruction that will help them develop higher level thinking skills. Some students also do not get to experience electives, which means they do not get the chance to find a passion, a hobby, or even just a reason to come to school. Studies have even shown that art and music in school help develop a child's brain and teach them to think in new ways. Schools fail to realize that if they present a well-rounded complete curriculum students will do well on the standardized tests and beyond.
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3 comments:
You're absolutely right Elena. I'm glad you see the arts as a valued part of development in thinking skills. The arts are important, as Howard Gardner believes. All too often they are the first to go in a budget crisis. Standardized testing is important, but not at the expense of eliminating programs that assist in brain development. Thanks for your support in the arts.
I agree!
Also, I think about the reduction in classes such as home economics and industrial arts. What about students who are talented in those areas. Today we place such an emphasis on college and college placement classes, but we still need chefs and we still need carpenters. I think it is a shame that these talents are being overlooked.
Thanks for your reaction to the music!
I agree I think we need to re evaluate and see if we can balance the importance of standardized tests with the hands on classes. Not all of our students have the chips to go on to college and it is important for them to realize that there are hands on jobs that wood shop, home ec. and courses like this provide.
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