Time is running out, but not on this year’s Standardized exams!

When the Common Core standardized exams were released in most states during the 2012-2013
school year, there was no explanation to parents what was being tested and how it would effect their children within their respective grades 3-8. As a result, mass confusion, and an uproar from parents led to many changes. Parents who were familiar with opting their children from taking the test did, while other parents just went with the flow and dealt with stress from their kids coming home with failing test grades, promotion in doubt letters, and trying to help their children deal with testing anxiety.

Due to many efforts from parents, educators, and administrators, this year will yet again mark another change for standardized testing. According to Maryellen Ellia, New York State Education Commissioner, many of the problems posed regarding testing were looked at and addressed by parties listed above with a strong emphasis on educators being involved with the material that will test student’s knowledge.

Here’s how topics were addressed:

Time limit– students were given 1 hour to complete each part of the exam for an exam that was possibly two grade levels above their child’s grade.

• This year, there will be no time limit. Students who are actively engaged in taking the exam will receive as much time as needed.

 

Length of exam- The exams included too many reading passages, multiple choice questions, and constructive responses.

• Day one of the ELA exam will have one less reading passage and 6-7 fewer multiple choice questions, day two of the ELA exam will have one less constructed response bringing the total to two written responses. Day 3 of the ELA exam remains the same with three reading passages and six constructed-response questions.
• Day one of the Math exam will have fewer multiple choice questions, and two fewer constructed response questions on day 2.

 

Evaluation- students were being evaluated with scores 1-4, and if a student received a 1 or a low 2, they were deemed promotion in doubt students, and letters were sent home to the parents, with the hopes they would become more involved and get them the extra help they needed. Students would actually have to attend summer school or repeat the same grade again. Teachers were to maintain subjective portfolios for each student, in case a student received a 1 or 2 on the ELA or Math exam as a way to pass to the next grade.

• As of current, there will be no bearing on the student’s promotion based on the score of these tests for the next four years. They will still be evaluated using the 1-4 grading system.

Although, there is no time limit, this may have an effect on students’ outcomes. How so? Many students have been preparing for this exam with a time limit, and may not know how to adjust in such a short period of time. Remember these are children! It takes time to teach certain skills. Teachers who administer practice tests will have to allot enough time in the day for everyone to complete the test. On the day of the exam, as students complete their test, their tests will be collected and will not be returned, they will be instructed to read a book until all students finish. I think this process will put pressure on students who are taking their time on the test to finish quicker. Students are used to everyone finishing their exam at the same time.

 

What can you do to help? Coach your child by telling them to take their time and find evidence for every question. Finding evidence means proving the answer to the question is right by going back to the text and underlining or circling the answer. Teachers will be preparing them, but having all parties involved will make sure the transition is smoother.

 

The standardized test is stated not to effect your child’s academic career. But, will schools of high academic standings look upon these scores? My instinct is if your child is in a promotion grade leading into Middle School or High School, most likely their scores will be viewed with the intent to admit students. Many of the requirements of attending a highly revered middle school or high school uses these exams as well as a potential candidate’s grades as part of the admissions process. My suggestion is to prepare your child as if the grades did matter. If you are a parent of a 3^rd or 4^th grader, I would still tell your child to take the test seriously. You don’t want them thinking that standardized testing is a joke, because as they progress they will be subjected to many tests that will count. Parents looking at Middle School and High School requirements early for their child, here’s a great overview for NYC top 40 public middle/high schools, http://nypost.com/2015/09/27/the-top-40-public-schools-that-dont-require-the-shsat-test/

“Good luck, don’t stress, we’ve got an ocean of tests,” Ms. Moore, 3^rd grade teacher in Monster Mas Vs. The Test