OGT News: School districts facing proficiency test week
An article in Monday's Cincinnati Enquirer illustrates a problem in Ohio's modern educational system: are the many assessment tests measuring how well a public school system is managed or how much the students in those districts know?
While about 823,000 public school students in grades three through eight will take lengthy proficiency tests next week, how they score will determine their districts' report cards.
Many teachers complain that they know longer teach a broad spectrum of knowledge. Instead, they are constantly "teaching to the test," singlemindedly preparing students for the battery of proficiency assessments that are the reality of modern education.
The outcome of those tests weighs heavily on a school district and its financial future. It can be the basis for dismissing administrative staff and require additional expenditures for tutoring and remedial classes.
This year, the proficiency tests are being given in May instead of March, allowing teachers more time to prepare students.
Amazingly, Ohio public school students now take 21 achievement tests by the time they reach the tenth grade. That's up from 16 just a few years ago.
In tenth grade, they face the Ohio Graduation Test - the last big (and necessary) hurdle between them and a diploma.
One Cincinnati-area school is trying a new tactic to prepare students for the proficiency test and ease stress at the same time. They are trying a "game show" approach that pits a team of fifth graders against a team of adults. The questions will mirror those found on the proficiency tests. Fellow students are betting on the kids, saying adults have probably forgotten most of what they knew in fifth grade.
While about 823,000 public school students in grades three through eight will take lengthy proficiency tests next week, how they score will determine their districts' report cards.
Many teachers complain that they know longer teach a broad spectrum of knowledge. Instead, they are constantly "teaching to the test," singlemindedly preparing students for the battery of proficiency assessments that are the reality of modern education.
The outcome of those tests weighs heavily on a school district and its financial future. It can be the basis for dismissing administrative staff and require additional expenditures for tutoring and remedial classes.
This year, the proficiency tests are being given in May instead of March, allowing teachers more time to prepare students.
Amazingly, Ohio public school students now take 21 achievement tests by the time they reach the tenth grade. That's up from 16 just a few years ago.
In tenth grade, they face the Ohio Graduation Test - the last big (and necessary) hurdle between them and a diploma.
One Cincinnati-area school is trying a new tactic to prepare students for the proficiency test and ease stress at the same time. They are trying a "game show" approach that pits a team of fifth graders against a team of adults. The questions will mirror those found on the proficiency tests. Fellow students are betting on the kids, saying adults have probably forgotten most of what they knew in fifth grade.
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