I am writing on behalf of my son. I have four children. My oldest son is an excellent student and a confident test taker, so I have never had a big issue with the end of grade testing and advancement system in place in most schools. I think they are ridiculous , but I didn't see the other side. His younger brother is now in 3rd grade and is also an excellent student. He too makes honor roll every semester. However, he has extreme anxiety over test taking which has worsened considerably with his impending first time with the EOGs. He has had constant headaches and stomach aches, to the point of throwing up. He is TERRIFIED that he will not pass, not because of any pressure we put on him (we are very supportive of our children), but because of the social ramifications.
Is this the message we want to send to our children? That education is akin to punishment? As a former special education teacher, I know how important it is to make sure that the children meet their benchmarks and are demonstrating an understanding of the material. I think we are on overkill however. I remember the joy I had as a teacher, bringing my skills as an artist and writer into my classroom to excite my students to want to learn on their own. Now there is little to no creativity in the classroom. My children complain of being bored and having nothing but busywork and homework and tests. The fun and experiments and inspiration from the teachers are few and far between. Behavior problems and bullying are prevalent. Schools need to trust that their teachers CAN teach. They don't need to be micromanaged. Students like my third grader need to feel like school is a welcoming place, where they are encouraged through their difficulties and inspired to pursue their strengths. So many children need that from their teachers because that may unfortunately be the ONLY place they get that kind of feedback. They don't need to be reminded of yet another way they can fail.
That brings me to my final thought. What is to become of the children who cannot pass these tests. What will it do to their self-esteem if they repeatedly fail? Will there be an increase in drug use, crime, and (God forbid) suicides? Is that the kind of society we are striving for?
In our district they have assured us that a special committee will be formed to evaluate those that fail to determine if they can indeed pass on to the next grade. Why have the tests then? Why put the children through this ordeal? Why not have a committee present in each school or district that periodically evaluates each class/teacher and then especially the children in need. A committee that concentrates on ensuring that those students who are struggling are given the tools they need (tutoring, etc.) to ENSURE that all children progress in their grades. As a parent, I for one would be up for defraying the cost of such an undertaking through volunteering to be a tutor (rather than a test proctor for these exams). I for one would like the focus of our educational system to be back on instilling a love of learning. I think you will find that when the children love being at school and are interested in what is going on in the classroom that the major problems of today (behavior and bullying) will all but disappear. If they are having too much fun learning, they won't be looking for distractions. Real learning comes from a deep and personal commitment that is nurtured and encouraged. It cannot be forced and WILL NOT be brought about through punishment.
