Standardized Testing

Well, I've been gone for quite awhile, mostly because I've been held captive by SOL testing. In Virginia, it means "Standards of Learning," but I think the definition I learned as a kid is much more appropriate.

Since all the tests in Virginia Beach are online, my job is to prep our numerous laptops (over 600) to be prepared for testing. That means updating the testing software and removing viruses, which is a losing battle at this point. WHY CAN'T WE HAVE MACS?

During testing, I have to be on call, with radio attached, to fix the problems that arise from testing in a big high school in a big school district with students using wireless laptops.

Once testing is finished for the day, I have to lock all the laptop carts on the second floor of the school. I see a wide range of activities in the classrooms when I go in to lock the carts. Many are just watching movies, with many in the "audience" asleep. Others are doing worksheets (the unengaging kind). Some are still teaching in a meaningful manner. Those are the teachers for whom I have great respect.

The problem with the SOL testing is that once the tests are over for the year (tomorrow is the last day) many teachers and most students think class is over for the year--hence the movies and worthless worksheets. Busy work. A way to kill time because there's "nothing left to teach." We've already taken all the SOL tests.

I'm really against almost all standardized testing, and this is just another example of how it ruins instruction. I could go on and on about that, but I'll leave it with just that comment.