The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
I personally do note hate Standardized testing as much as most. However, I think we give it too much of our time. Its April and we just got started. I prefer the Regents exams of New York State. #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
G’day! David joining from Sydney, Australia. As ANZAC Day public holiday 2018 is coming to an end, special shout out to my friends in New Zealand!
#BFC530 🇦🇺 🇳🇿
I think the answer here is to fix the test. How about one open ended question based on each standard. Something that gives the children something to create and allows utilization of knowledge. (im brainstorming) #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Agree. I like the idea of students demonstrating growth through portfolios & written reflection. Teacher feedback. If standardized tests continue they have to change. Shouldn't be based on regurgitating knowledge or reading levels #BFC530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
I have taken a computer test before. They are brutal. 8 years olds hunched over a computer screen for over an hour; for some over 2; does that make any kind of sense? #bfc530
A city (Toronto) and a country (Canada) in mourning today, as grief, sadness, but unity, strength and love take hold here. Praying for all who died, for all who were injured, and for their families and friends. #TorontoStrong#bfc530
The issue with testing is how it supersedes everything ... shuts down the campus ... creates it on culture ... we foster a testing culture. When everything is focused on progress monitoring and collecting data, kid learning ceases to be the focus #bfc530
#bfc530 I'm a big fan of portfolios. A place to showcase all the great things a kid knows and can do. I also don't think standardized testing is bad, but testing designed to be graded as quickly and cheaply as possible usually is pretty terrible.
We've really lost the best (only?) reason for standardized tests - to make sure students are learning. Tests have become a measure of a school's success. We don't need to get rid of the tests, we need to change what we do with the results. #bfc530
Maybe I missed something over the last 33 years, but shouldn't formative & summative assessments count for our accountability? And don't they provide more effective data that we can actually USE to help our Ss learn? Did I miss that? #bfc530
Love the idea of portfolios. Let’s work on the growth mindset! Let’s truly meet individuals with the strength. Not everyone is made for a test. #bfc530
Portfolios! According to Howard Gardener in 1983, there are 9 intelligences. How are we as educators assessing learning just by one, very high stakes, way ? #BFC530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
First, the "need" for accountability is a reactionary measure that gives us trailing indicators at best. It tells us if our year was successful or not, and in most cases, tells us months after the school year ends when it's too late to do anything about it. #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Watching 12 year olds sit in complete silence for over an hour yesterday doing intense math problems was not easy. And as a reward, they will do the same today. And tomorrow. Then on to ELA... it isn't learning, it's torture. Must stop! #bfc530
The problem I see is that students are not held accountable for their performance on standardized tests. If it is so important, why is everything/everyone else tied to their performance except for the student? #bfc530
As for an alternative, we need to stop thinking "summative grade" and think "formative monitoring." This means better training for teachers on how to assess student learning that includes measures like performance assessment and how to respond to formative data. #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
I have taken a computer test before. They are brutal. 8 years olds hunched over a computer screen for over an hour; for some over 2; does that make any kind of sense? #bfc530
Bring back the focus of testing to a tool to assess students and provide them with what they need. And the results should be received in a more timely manner so it can be useful for the student #bfc530
Hope everyone’s having a nice a.m. cup of coffee-or p.m. glass of wine for our Aussie/NZ friends😂 Honestly, I don’t have a problem with the concept of a standardized test that evaluates all against a common marker. It’s the way some make it a be all/end all #bfc530
When you’re more focused on teachers being at the same spot, teaching the same thing, the same way, using the same lesson so the same data is being generated, than you are not focused on student learning ou are focused on data and that is not good. #bfc530
The change has to start in a different place: not all people go to college but somewhere in our history that became “less than” there is value & enrichment in a career in trades #bfc530
Student assessment should be spread throughout the year as a way to check in & measure progress. We need time to adjust instruction to support students.Clumping a bunch of big tests together at the end of the year only helps the folks making bar graphs of school success. #bfc530
The PARCC results tell if a S is doing well when certain score is achieved. The partially proficient don't tell whole story. We need an alternate for those. Intervention before the grad requirement is also important. I wonder about this often. #bfc530
Good point, Deb - what is the test really measuring? The student? or the teacher? Because the portfolio would show better progression of teaching techniques, I would think. Watching the student advance in technique and skill shows how the teacher is teaching. #bfc530
When you’re more focused on teachers being at the same spot, teaching the same thing, the same way, using the same lesson so the same data is being generated, than you are not focused on student learning ou are focused on data and that is not good. #bfc530
I like the idea of using PSATs, SAT, & ACTs as standardized assessments that show preparation, but am also a fan of portfolios and cumulative projects/presentations that show application of knowledge. #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
In some districts and areas of the world, it seems like there’s too much standardized testing. I think many Ts and Admins (and students and families?!) would be happier with it if there was just less. Quantity does not always indicate quality. #BFC530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
I am not against testing ... am against it being the only purpose kids come to school ... ask them ... they know they are only a test score ... no matter what anyone tells them ... the only thing that truly matters ... the only big deal ... test score #bfc530
That is a really good point! I do have students, as I am sure we all do, that will rush through the test..his/her score still counts against me, the school, the district. Great point. #bfc530
Ugh, my ten year old is in the middle of another round of 5 days of PARCC testing. She's miserable about it. I don't blame her and I hate what it does to her view of school #bfc530
I would like to see us use a nationally normed research based assessment similar to ACT or SAT. I’d also like to see maybe a pre and post to allow us more data to enable us to be more prescriptive with our students. Agree we need results in a timely manner. #bfc530
(Still brainstorming) How about tests that combine content through application? How about a series of tasks that require knowledge of Science and english? In life they are rarely using 1 content in a silo. #bfc530
But if it is not what is best for kids..surely they can take the millions upon millions of dollars spent on testing and find something that is. #bfc530
Tonight I am working through standardised testing results to see if the results match our student results... Interesting stuff but there has to be a better way of getting this data #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Does anyone remember what they were tested on back in school? If standardized tests added current relevant information, they may be a more accurate measure of what kids need going forward! #bfc530
(Still brainstorming) How about tests that combine content through application? How about a series of tasks that require knowledge of Science and english? In life they are rarely using 1 content in a silo. #bfc530
#BFC530 Review accountability pipeline. Garner district $ by meeting admin accountability w standard test prep. Identify and respond to S and P accountability expectations for Ss' future.
#bfc530 I propose prioritizing the state standards for a school, Dept. , or classroom and allowing the teacher to determine mastery through student led projects. #studentvoiceandchoice
I have been saying this for years!!! Also, why can’t Ss know the question in advance and prepare evidence...you know, like this “real world” everyone is always telling us about #bfc530
I think the answer here is to fix the test. How about one open ended question based on each standard. Something that gives the children something to create and allows utilization of knowledge. (im brainstorming) #bfc530
How many tests do you all give? What are we talking about here? That could change our answers. We give MAPS 3 times a year; SBAC once and Fountas and Pinnell reading as many as needed. (The rest of the tests/evaluations are up to the teacher #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Comprehensive, balanced assessment is key, from my perspective...assessment for, as and of learning...observations, conversations and student products...and standardized tests should only be one piece of the ‘puzzle’. #bfc530
So a teacher should have no control over what is taught in their classroom ... district should create the lesson/provide the test ... read the script? #bfc530
Ideal accountability system.... give growth and mastery on standardized tests equal weight. Wait...this is ideal....so I vote give growth more weight. Also, use multiple data measures and focus on more than just academics. #bfc530
One of my issues with all the current standardized testing is that they all hit so close to each other. They need to be better embedded into the year-long schedule to decrease anxiety. The world stops when its "testing time". #bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
A big issue I have-standardized testing for ‘Diagnostic’ reasons, so have it in the latter half of term 3 and release them so late in Term 4, their value is questionable. Equally the statistical work that often occurs to the raw marks, makes it almost a 2nd test (unseen) #bfc530
Good morning. Need to look at growth over time using skill based results as apposed to standardized testing. Keeping growth portfolios is one way. #BFC530
Every student, every year is unnecessary...but it makes money for that “big business” testing company. The tests have become the goal, rather than the measurement of the goal, and this is why it’s a problem...a test being the goal, ugh #bfc530
Our dilemma: My son is contemplating if he will come to Take Your Child To Work day since he'll miss & have to make up some PARCC:(
Daughter wants to go but only if brother goes...
#bfc530
Ugh, my ten year old is in the middle of another round of 5 days of PARCC testing. She's miserable about it. I don't blame her and I hate what it does to her view of school #bfc530
Right?! It doesn’t even make sense.. Could the people who decided that high stakes testing was good idea, please take a day and come see what it looks like for children, please. #bfc530
For my own children, due to localized assessment tools including teacher observations along w/evaluation programs the district has purchased. I have a good picture of my child's progress; their strengths & weaknesses. As a parent, Im satisfied #bfc530
When I was teaching in the States, I hated seeing the pressure it put on Ss and Ts. So many of my students with disabilities or severe testing anxiety felt like they were being set up for failure. I would see kids work so hard and not pass. 😢 #bfc530
Why not sample Ss work from a variety of tasks. Take samples to a meeting of Heads of Faculty (eg. English), &collectively agree your 5/10 might be my 6/10,adjust accordingly. Reps from this group take samples to a regional & ultimately State meeting. Called moderation.
#bfc530
But what does the rest of the school do during these testing days? At my school we have delayed opening for everyone else, so these tests disrupt everyone, and we all lose days of instruction #bfc530
We have almost becomes obsessed with assessment.We are almost teaching to the test.Lets teach from the heart and not from the book or to the test #BFC530
Yes! This is one thing I just can't wrap my head around. Modify and make learning individualized all year, except not on the test. What will the test tell us that we don't already know because we have a learning plan in place?? UGH! #bfc530
Seems simple, but why don't we award school systems for students that secure full-time jobs or continue their education full-time (or a mixture of job/education)? Would that be considered college and career ready? #bfc530
Yes! This is one thing I just can't wrap my head around. Modify and make learning individualized all year, except not on the test. What will the test tell us that we don't already know because we have a learning plan in place?? UGH! #bfc530
We also have a GAT (3 hour general test) halfway during Year 12. Gets use din cases where special circumstances are required with respect to end of year exams (eg: illness, traumatic issue etc) #bfc530
Standardized testing I feel satisfies those that like to put a number on learning. In the process, they rob Ss of the joy of learning. It is all about the almighty score. #bfc530
Business as usual. Does not disrupt the other grades. Multi-grade classroom plan accordingly.
Testing is usually finished in the morning by lunch.
#bfc530
But what does the rest of the school do during these testing days? At my school we have delayed opening for everyone else, so these tests disrupt everyone, and we all lose days of instruction #bfc530
Agreed! One of the reasons I believe we don’t see this kind of ‘standardized’ assessment has to do with ‘scoring’...it becomes increasingly difficult...loss of the ‘standardized’ response! Too politicized right now...limited true concern for more holistic learning! #bfc530
I know a lot of students who know they are writers, readers, scientists, musicians, engineers, explorers, mathematicians, activists, citizens, learners... all because a teacher helped them feel that way. #bfc530
It effects everything. My daughters district, they focus either on science or social studies for a marking period & if math or ILA needs more time,guess what gets sacrificed. There is more to academics than math or ILA #bfc530
Exactly! If we are talking NAPLAN, it was only ever meant to be Diagnostic of individual & cohort. It has become politicized & determined by such an elaborate statistical process, it’s original purpose has been lost. #bfc530
See, that's another reason why this test is ridiculous. Luckily my kiddos have parcc testing " paused " for tomorrow. But it picks right back up next week !! #BFC530
Have a great day #bfc530! I have to run. It's #WelcomeSignWednesday at my school! Go make a positive difference in a student's life today! You never know how much it's needed.
I would love to see student digital portfolios where growth can be demonstrated throughout the year. This would be a much less stressful alternative for students...and teachers. Good luck to anyone who has students testing today! #BFC530
SAT/ACT not necessarily aligned with state curriculum standards. State exams emphatically.
Not too late for competency: Ss have multiple additional opportunities to retake using the data form the original test.
#bfc530
Does it provide that though? And does it provide that better than a test like the SAT or ACT?
And since most of these tests are given at the end of the year and scores come out in the summer or later (in my experience), it is too late to do anything about a lack of competency.
#bfc530 After their Govt exams at the end of Gr12,the marks go through an elaborate statistical process to create a rank out of 99.95. The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank ATAR is used for University selection. Some issues with it have emerged! @GruntledChalkie@kathyiwanicki
Good grief. The chair of the Technical Committee on Scaling for the ATAR commenting on unexpected (very) different results for students of similar ability: "I’m rather at a loss to explain why this should be the case,"
Time to dump it then. Surely.
https://t.co/JtDm1OVYyT
For the Ontario followers of #BFC530, I was in a meeting a few wks ago that discussed changing the format/timing of the OSSLT so that it was similar to the format of the Grade 9 EQAO math testing - over a few days in one class. I really liked this! Thoughts? #BFC530#OttEdChat
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Reality is some of the greatest thinkers probably wouldn’t get where they did if they were in today’s Education system. Einstein failed Primary Maths and was described by a teacher as ‘mentally slow’. The late Stephen Hawkings had similar issues https://t.co/nf3P1SUVga#bfc530
For my 9th grade sections is always a shock to them that learning happens in June! They have been conditioned to think that once testing is over, schoolwork is over. I always lose a day or 2 with them until they figure out it's actually different in HS #bfc530
My favorite tradition is how we spend like the last month of school testing kids ... it makes them feel like what they learned the whole year had a real purpose (Did you hear the sarcastic tone) #Bfc530
The New York State Alternative Assessment tests ss through teacher generated activities that show growth. It might be nice to see this instead of standardized testing for the general pop. It is extra work for teachers to design and implement, but its kind of fun. #bfc530
It is what was predicted by wise teachers 20+ years ago ... mandated testing will create a culture of chasing test scores ... what has happened? One could argue that in the quest for test scores we have killed creativity. #Bfc530
The issue is with special populations of students who can’t pass the test & don’t qualify for the alt. -continually on the receiving end of failing scores even with their best effort, perfect attendance & academic support. #bfc530
Scholastic Reading Inventory (3 times a year), district quarterly assessments (pre/post, so 8 times a year), and ISTEP (Part 1 - 4 tests in late February, Part 2 - 8 tests in April). This does not include any CFAs (ELA/Math) that are mandated by our weekly PLC meetings. #bfc530
Good question. I would be ok with this test if it showed growth. I give a district test at the beginning of the year and the same at the end of the year. My biggest disappointment with the statewide test is it’s one and done AND no immediate feedback. #bfc530
Testing in the current form does not make sense. In a profession filled with those who value accountability and thrive on feedback, you’d think that educator’s input for reform would be most sought after...#bfc530
I don't see why that has to be the case. Why cant we have 2 rubrics for the same assignment? 1 for science content. 1 for grammar and analysis. #bfc530
So much about standardized testing's done in name of alleged efficiency, which benefits adults' system seeking to compare kids. Kids, though, benefit from opportunities to showcase messy learning, including reflecting on growth. 1 alternative idea: https://t.co/IB2yOyVVxQ#bfc530
Standardized testing is often criticized (for good reason), but few offer viable alternatives to address accountability expectations. What alternative would you propose?
via @engineerteacher#BFC530
Good Morning! Wow, everyone really had such great ideas! I like the idea of being able to show student growth throughout the year and having students create portfolios. #bfc530@StephDeLuca16
