[Winona] Testing

[Joliene Olson]

I would submit that Standardized Testing is a lot like Democracy, the best of bad choices.  Testing by some means, is necessary.  What everyone has difficulty with is 1) what areas require 'Mastery" and 2) how to measure it once everyone agrees on the objective. What does pass or fail look like.    Another problem is that when we deal with the problem in the abstract, we can agree that current testing methods have problems.  However, when solutions are considered we are often unwilling to agree to changes depending on how it affects our own Childs circumstances.  The problem defies simple solutions.   If I were to make a recommendation for change, it would be a continuous improvement type solution.        a) standardized tests are needed BUT we need to look at what the tests are currently  testing for and change them if necessary to reflect whatever it is agreed upon that we want our children to master at certain levels.     b) There MUST be an alternative for those who don't pass.  Perhaps it is retesting or perhaps it is evaluation by a more subjective system.  For example, actually looking directly at the work done by the child, through one to one discussion and questioning or review by a panel (trained to have a consistent view of what is pass or fail) to determine if "exceptions" are warranted and how to address them.   We can go on and on with examples and repeating words heard elsewhere and everywhere.  What action is possible?     1) who can look at the current tests and describe what they test for?     2) who can look at the current curriculums of the grade or topic being tested and identify what is different, left out, not currently covered etc.     3) who should and can determine WHAT EXACTLY the tests and the curriculum should be teaching and being tested for and finally,     4) who has the authority to CHANGE the test to reflect curriculum or visa versa, change the curriculum to match the tests.   Joliene Olson 507-454-1236 [EMAIL PROTECTED]