#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
Welcome to #ALedchat. Topic- Standardized testing is one measure of accountability. Tonight we will gather thoughts on the most appropriate way to test kids to maximize growth potential.
Tell us who you are, where you are tweeting from tonight and if you are currently an administrator- what did you teach when you were in the classroom: grade level, content area, etc… #ALedchat
Holly Sutherland, Superintendent of Haleyville City, AL. Former 5th grade teacher. Co-founder of this chat. Welcome all. We love to learn with you! #ALedchat
Tell us who you are, where you are tweeting from tonight and if you are currently an administrator- what did you teach when you were in the classroom: grade level, content area, etc… #ALedchat
Corey in St Pete #Florida#TampaBay was a Curriculum Specialist over Innovations for a large charter schools organization of over 70 schools, filled in as an admin back in @browardschools where I also taught Middle School Social Studies for 10 years prior #aledchat
Welcome Blake! Holly Sutherland, Superintendent of Haleyville City, AL. Former 5th grade teacher. Co-founder of this chat. Welcome all. We love to learn with you! #ALedchat
No longer an administrator or in the classroom, now Director of District Partnerships with @BrightBytes, which I would say you should check out even if I didn't work there 😉 #Aledchat
Corey in St Pete #Florida#TampaBay was a Curriculum Specialist over Innovations for a large charter schools organization of over 70 schools, filled in as an admin back in @browardschools where I also taught Middle School Social Studies for 10 years prior #aledchat
A1: Standardized testing is a tool that can be used to improve instruction. I hate when the pressures of performing well make school about the test and not the learning. If used to improve instructional practices- can be beneficial. #ALedchat
A1: Standardized testing is a tool that can be used to improve instruction. I hate when the pressures of performing well make school about the test and not the learning. If used to improve instructional practices- can be beneficial. #ALedchat
Tell us who you are, where you are tweeting from tonight and if you are currently an administrator- what did you teach when you were in the classroom: grade level, content area, etc… #ALedchat
A1: Accountability measures are necessary. Ideally, they would align with state standards giving schools and students the opportunity to use the data for instructional guidance. #aledchat
Tell us who you are, where you are tweeting from tonight and if you are currently an administrator- what did you teach when you were in the classroom: grade level, content area, etc… #ALedchat
A1) I feel like this is a necessary evil these days simply for the fact that we need these data points even when it sometimes comes at the expense of talking points in the classroom #aledchat
A1: Used to inform instruction and provide a roadmap for future learning, I embrace standardized tests. Used exclusively as a means of grading schools, I do not think is appropriate or sound. #aledchat
A1: I think that it’s an important tool in education for measuring progress. However, I think people over-emphasize it, and I think the interpretation of results needs to be revamped. #aledchat
Q2: What standardized tests are your required to give at your school or in your district? This can include district testing as well as state assessments. #ALedchat
A1 We need quality, consistent data. I believe we have become data rich and instruction poor. Find a quality assessment and stick with it over time. #aledchat
A1) I feel like this is a necessary evil these days simply for the fact that we need these data points even when it sometimes comes at the expense of talking points in the classroom #aledchat
A1 - I think that we should have standardized test but I don’t think we should use them to drive the instruction or to say whether a school is passing or not because all kids test differently #aledchat
A2: Primarily, we use Scantron Performance Series... what began as a progress monitoring tool through the universal screener now has become the end-all-be-all (which it wasn't designed to do). #aledchat
Q2: What standardized tests are your required to give at your school or in your district? This can include district testing as well as state assessments. #ALedchat
A2) In Florida where I am based it is the FSA but also districts use NWEA, STAR, another question is how do you assess which education apps being used are having an impact & moving the bar with the assessment results (this wasn't rhetorical, I have an answer for this)! #aledchat
A1: Often an autopsy model for looking at data— results are often too late to make an impact on instruction. When not linked to standards, it feels like a ridiculous waste of time to teachers and students alike. #ALedchat
I'm curious to the value and identity these organizations base their self-perception, or rating, based on those metrics. And, if so, I wonder if they are they valid, reliant, and reliable? We need the metric and measure, but it must be accurate for growth's sake! #aledchat
A2: We primarily use the Performance Series. We are just now starting to implement the Achievement Series. We are big fans of this assessment because of the data it provides based on the standards. Also do DIBELS K-2, Pre-ACT and ACT in high school. #aledchat
Good point, and all those fields and examples all have standards too, this is part of the game (in fact, it has changed the game in my opinion)! #ALedchat
A1) I feel like this is a necessary evil these days simply for the fact that we need these data points even when it sometimes comes at the expense of talking points in the classroom #aledchat
Q3: Now that we have that out of the way and testing is what it is- in what grades K-12 should we use a standardized test to assess learning and why do you feel this way? #ALedchat
Working on those now! Teachers in our school have used their own unit/benchmark exams in the past, but we’re working to strengthen our assessment writing. #aledchat
Alyson you are speaking my language here, this is similar to using the threshold model when looking at data which is reactive as opposed to using #PredictiveAnalytics which is proactive #aledchat
A1: Often an autopsy model for looking at data— results are often too late to make an impact on instruction. When not linked to standards, it feels like a ridiculous waste of time to teachers and students alike. #ALedchat
We need to talk. I want to pick your brain about it. #ALedchat or anyone else using F&P. Are you using it instead of dibles or in conjunction with at different grades?
We need to talk. I want to pick your brain about it. #ALedchat or anyone else using F&P. Are you using it instead of dibles or in conjunction with at different grades?
A3) in Florida (again my perspective here) they start standardized testing in grade 3, otherwise known as one of the "important grades", same in Alabama and does everyone agree with this? #aledchat
A3: I would like to see a standards based assessment of some kind in all grades. We need some affirmation that progress is being made. The individual student data is too valuable not to assess. #aledchat
A3) in Florida (again my perspective here) they start standardized testing in grade 3, otherwise known as one of the "important grades", same in Alabama and does everyone agree with this? #aledchat
Read a lot about the PISA and some of the more “successful”(don’t get me started) countries that give it and more than a couple don’t give standardized tests until around 6th grade #ALedchat
A3: I would like to see a standards based assessment of some kind in all grades. We need some affirmation that progress is being made. The individual student data is too valuable not to assess. #aledchat
Q4: What are your opinions of testing in primary grades or other grades and not using these for accountability- just to improve instruction? Example: Testing K-2 just to improve instruction and gather data, but not for accountability. #ALedchat
A3: my opinion..a consistent measure across all grade levels would allow for evaluation of curriculum across grade levels. Is your structure in place to guarantee no gaps? #aledchat
A3 In my former district our teachers created powerful assessments through Achievement Series. We gave pre/post tests to determine intervention. DM’s were standards and strategy based. #aledchat
A3: I've never quite understood why we've designated some grade levels as important to assess and others not to assess. If we are measuring growth and proficiency, isn't every year of a child's education important to assess? #aledchat
Q3: Now that we have that out of the way and testing is what it is- in what grades K-12 should we use a standardized test to assess learning and why do you feel this way? #ALedchat
A3: Like the idea of using testing in all grades. Not as sold on the idea of testing K-2, but I still can see the benefit of it. Elementary people could probably speak to that. Think it’s very valuable, especially at the secondary level. #aledchat
My advice would be to be open an honest that the first time it is given it will be a struggle, but after that it will get easier. The data it gives teachers is well worth the effort and time. Also, make sure you have plenty kits.
Interesting, @DrJimmyShaw! Glad we opened the standards based grading conversation a few weeks ago thanks to @ezigbo_ ! Need a serious group to come out of that. #aledchat
Read a lot about the PISA and some of the more “successful”(don’t get me started) countries that give it and more than a couple don’t give standardized tests until around 6th grade #ALedchat
A3: I would like to see a standards based assessment of some kind in all grades. We need some affirmation that progress is being made. The individual student data is too valuable not to assess. #aledchat
A4: A measure is needed across all grade levels. Early elementary is in my opinion too early for the accountability piece. It is necessary to give our students the opportunity for exposure and growth. #closegapsearly#aledchat
Exactly why we started using it! Teachers need to 1 on 1 assess their students. Plus, I'd like to add, this came from the trenches. Our teachers wanted a common reading assessment and the reading committee chose F&P after much research #aledchat
Q4: I recognize the challenges of primary grade testing. Still feel strongly that some measure will give us valuable data to create a learning path for each child.
Need more than opinion based on daily activity. #ALedchat
A4 - as long it is to help improve the instruction it is great. The primary grades should be more focused on laying the foundations for the later grades to build on. I personally think we should just focus on reading math PE and fine arts at the primary age #aledchat
A3 - I think grades 4 through 9 because grades K to 3 should just be about laying and building the foundations and 10 to 12 should be more of the fine tuning to prepare for college or the workforce. 4 to 9 or the development grades to see where the students stand #aledchat
Q5: At what times of the year should states compete standardized testing? Example: Beginning, Middle, End. Should all testing count for accountability or be used to improve instruction? #ALedchat
Agreed but it’s all about the why of the assessment. #ALedchat there is a place for an autopsy to provide goals and summative info but nothing will move student learning or instruction better than formative or assessments used in a formative manner.
A4: Love the idea of using testing in K-2 to inform teachers and administrators (for PD, instructional strategies, RTI, etc.) but not for public consumption or accountability. #aledchat
Q4: What are your opinions of testing in primary grades or other grades and not using these for accountability- just to improve instruction? Example: Testing K-2 just to improve instruction and gather data, but not for accountability. #ALedchat
#aledchat A4: I believe we should have testing bands across grades. example , bands GLE 3-5 GLE 6-8 GLE 9-11. students test and are placed in the appropriate band no matter their grade level. test again mid year and finally the end of the year to measure growth. 1/2
A3: As a former 11th grade English teacher I personally felt like we could have shared the standardized testing love in our state lol! Between the grad exam and then the ACT ... wow ... so I I guess say give all grades some type of accountability or none at all. #ALEdChat
A5: I actually like at least a portion of the way we have used Performance Series with the three administrations. Follow the progress using one assessment rather than the traditional end of year one time event. #ALedchat
Q5: At what times of the year should states compete standardized testing? Example: Beginning, Middle, End. Should all testing count for accountability or be used to improve instruction? #ALedchat
#aledchat A4: cont, it's hard to give a standardized test to students who have not masted the standards already covered in prior grades. Its hard to measure student knowledge in one school, county , and much more in an entire state. 2/2
A5: I personally feel the state assessment should be an end of the year summative assessment. Schools should have discretion on choosing benchmark assessments. No assessment should be used for accountability. It should be used to improve instruction for Ss & Ts. #aledchat
Q5: At what times of the year should states compete standardized testing? Example: Beginning, Middle, End. Should all testing count for accountability or be used to improve instruction? #ALedchat
A5 - I think right before Christmas break and then again right before summer break. I think that it should be used to help drive and improve instruction. #ALedchat
A5: Depends on the assessment. I like how WorkKeys is given in the fall of Senior year, as opposed to the end of the year. I do think that most standardized tests should take place at the end of the year. Allows schools time to disaggregate and analyze data over summer. #aledchat
Love this idea just have not had the guts to tinker with it. #ALedchat Have thought about it many times but have never really seen it. You sort of see it in a virtual school world though.
#aledchat A4: I believe we should have testing bands across grades. example , bands GLE 3-5 GLE 6-8 GLE 9-11. students test and are placed in the appropriate band no matter their grade level. test again mid year and finally the end of the year to measure growth. 1/2
A5: I actually like at least a portion of the way we have used Performance Series with the three administrations. Follow the progress using one assessment rather than the traditional end of year one time event. #ALedchat
Q5: At what times of the year should states compete standardized testing? Example: Beginning, Middle, End. Should all testing count for accountability or be used to improve instruction? #ALedchat
#aledchat A4: cont, it's hard to give a standardized test to students who have not masted the standards already covered in prior grades. Its hard to measure student knowledge in one school, county , and much more in an entire state. 2/2
Q6: If we test midyear, do you think this pressures some schools into “teaching the test” or focusing too much on testing prep for the second semester of the school year or does it improve instructional practices? #ALedchat
A5: I personally feel the state assessment should be an end of the year summative assessment. Schools should have discretion on choosing benchmark assessments. No assessment should be used for accountability. It should be used to improve instruction for Ss & Ts. #aledchat
Q5: At what times of the year should states compete standardized testing? Example: Beginning, Middle, End. Should all testing count for accountability or be used to improve instruction? #ALedchat
End of year makes sense because of the pacing of the instruction, but makes little sense as it relates to all the other things at the end of the year, not to mention the fatigue. Just food for thought. #ALedchat
I believe that was the original plan, however, I'm not sure I have ever seen data with time to make instructional adjustments before the start of school or to drive PD for teachers. #aledchat
A5: Depends on the assessment. I like how WorkKeys is given in the fall of Senior year, as opposed to the end of the year. I do think that most standardized tests should take place at the end of the year. Allows schools time to disaggregate and analyze data over summer. #aledchat
A5- I like beginning, mid, and end testing for data driven instruction. If accountability is a must then spring would be the popular preference. #aledchat
I am not a fan of standardized test, but if we are going to do it, I think we need to do it right , also , I would love to see an appropriate measuring test that measures all states in the union with the same test/ measuring stick. #aledchat
It makes so much sense, and we've done it, but it's exhausting and over-testing sets in for students and teachers. Students feel the burnout most. #aledchat
A5- I like beginning, mid, and end testing for data driven instruction. If accountability is a must then spring would be the popular preference. #aledchat
A6: Largely depends on the way we as admins coach the use of the data. I certainly do not feel in our district that there is the proverbial "teaching of the test".
But I think we have taken on a very good process of using the data to improve instruction.
#aledchat
I am not a fan of standardized test, but if we are going to do it, I think we need to do it right , also , I would love to see an appropriate measuring test that measures all states in the union with the same test/ measuring stick. #aledchat
I agree, not a fan of standardized test, but if we are going to do it , i believe , we need to do it right. if we're not going to do it right, we shouldn't be doing it at all. #aledchat
A6: I think it's important information, but not necessarily for state reporting. If assessment is really information about us and for us, we need to use it for that purpose. It doesn't need to be scary. #aledchat
A6: I think it is all about your motives for giving the test. The test is not as important as what you do with the data that the test produces, which should be using it to improve instruction. #aledchat
A6 - I think that there is already to big of a focus on the teachers data and the school being passing that the test is already being taught and true instruction being lost for the fear of their data not looking good. We just need to put the focus back on the students #ALedchat
A3: #ALedChat Standardized testing is important K-12. We should use assessments to fill in our areas of weakness and to improve instruction for our students. If we only periodically assess, the gaps are often to large to identify and are identified too late to correct.
To me, the negative of testing 3 times per year is the amount of time it takes. The positive is the data helps us stay on track to gains. #giveandtake#prosandcons#aledchat
A6 - I think that there is already to big of a focus on the teachers data and the school being passing that the test is already being taught and true instruction being lost for the fear of their data not looking good. We just need to put the focus back on the students #ALedchat
A7: I do not like end of course assessments. Did that a short time while a high school principal. Creates many problems for out of state transfers, especially if required for passing the course. See it from Georgia on a regular basis now. #aledchat
A3: #ALedChat Standardized testing is important K-12. We should use assessments to fill in our areas of weakness and to improve instruction for our students. If we only periodically assess, the gaps are often to large to identify and are identified too late to correct.
A7: Fir accountability, it comes down to what is our expectation-grade level standard mastery or student growth. While we want both and aim for both, that isn’t always the reality. #stillworktobedone#aledchat
A6- I think you take the good with the bad. Both are likely to happen to a point. I think the good out weighs the bad and mid year testing is worth it. #aledchat
A7: Each assessment event is different when Beg, Middle, End. Beg is for setting goals w/ students & knowing what to teach. Middle gives good checkpoint to assess growth & remind students of growth target. EOY...how much progress did we make? #aledchat
A3: #ALedChat Standardized testing is important K-12. We should use assessments to fill in our areas of weakness and to improve instruction for our students. If we only periodically assess, the gaps are often to large to identify and are identified too late to correct.
A4:I believe there is most definitely a need for standardized testing in K-2 for instructional purposes only. (We should standardize test in all grades only for instructional purposes.) If we fail to test K-2 the instructional deficit can be large before identified. #ALedchat
YES!!! Time is a huge factor especially for younger students! We also need to consider child development! I would like to invite anyone that has never watched a classroom of third graders take Scantron to do so with me in January🤪 #itsPainful#aledchat
While I agree, what do we say when we look at the numbers of kids not proficient? That keeps me up at night. Then, if you really want a nightmare, look at the numbers of kids that achieve at a level 1 and grew at a level 1 😳💔 #ALedchat#WhatIsSuccess
A7: Fir accountability, it comes down to what is our expectation-grade level standard mastery or student growth. While we want both and aim for both, that isn’t always the reality. #stillworktobedone#aledchat
A7: I don’t think that those end of course tests should be state-level. But I do think it is very valuable to have end of course assessments that are consistent among content areas in individual schools. Ts collaborating to create exams for all students at their school. #aledchat
Public perception is I don’t want my kids at that school, but in my personal opinion if we let teachers be teachers and teach what they love then our students will do better because they see the enthusiasm from there teacher. To many teachers are not having fun teaching now days!
I heard some years back that Kentucky was doing some pretty interesting stuff not necessarily all standardized assessment but accountability. #ALedchat
A5: I think it could be beneficial to alter the timing of assessments. It could prove informative to test at the beginning of the year sometimes provided a quick turnaround on results. All testing should be for instructional purposes. #ALedChat
I heard some years back that Kentucky was doing some pretty interesting stuff not necessarily all standardized assessment but accountability. #ALedchat
FQ: Standardized testing of some sort is our accountability measure as of now in most states. How will your schools that seek to use this format to improve instructional practices? #ALedchat
A8: Put together a team of teachers who teach that content or grade. Have them work together to create valuable, necessary assessment questions to appropriately test our students. The ones in the classroom have the best understanding of what our students need to know. #aledchat
While I agree, what do we say when we look at the numbers of kids not proficient? That keeps me up at night. Then, if you really want a nightmare, look at the numbers of kids that achieve at a level 1 and grew at a level 1 😳💔 #ALedchat#WhatIsSuccess
A7: Fir accountability, it comes down to what is our expectation-grade level standard mastery or student growth. While we want both and aim for both, that isn’t always the reality. #stillworktobedone#aledchat
FA: I think, regardless of our feelings, we have to own the data from the assessment. Use it to inform professional learning needs and better instruction will follow. We have to believe that and use the assessment to our benefit. #ALedchat
A5: Using standardized testing for accountability purposes normally only ranks schools by affluence. Testing should be used only for instructional purposes not state accountability! Accountability should be left to district leaders/boards. #ALedchat
The Commissioner of Education @WayneDLewis & the @KyDeptofEd were tweeting about some of the work last week being done there with @BrightBytes, who I am with and hope to see the same initiatives take hold in #Alabama#ALedchat
In reply to
@DrJimmyShaw, @WayneDLewis, @KyDeptofEd, @BrightBytes
FA: I think accountability, when used positively, helps you peel back the layers & get smarter about where the kids are & where the teaching is. #aledchat
FQ: Standardized testing of some sort is our accountability measure as of now in most states. How will your schools that seek to use this format to improve instructional practices? #ALedchat
