The questionable utility of STAR testing.
This is the time of year when (in California) students are subjected to standardized tests. While in principle I support standardized testing (how else do we figure out how effective teaching is?), there are some things that bother me about this implementation.
The big thing I'm observing is that I have students canceling sessions because they're not learning anything this week. (That's literally the reason I just got.) I had a similar experience last year at the same time. It's possible that there's some selection bias going on, but it looks very much like instruction is grinding to a halt for a week or two, which is probably not the best use of time.
I'd also be happier if they managed to put the tests at the end of the school year instead of 3/4 of the way though. That way the test would cover the full year's teaching effectiveness, and also not devalue the rest of the school year.
Is there some better way to test that isn't so disruptive?
The big thing I'm observing is that I have students canceling sessions because they're not learning anything this week. (That's literally the reason I just got.) I had a similar experience last year at the same time. It's possible that there's some selection bias going on, but it looks very much like instruction is grinding to a halt for a week or two, which is probably not the best use of time.
I'd also be happier if they managed to put the tests at the end of the school year instead of 3/4 of the way though. That way the test would cover the full year's teaching effectiveness, and also not devalue the rest of the school year.
Is there some better way to test that isn't so disruptive?