It's about time...

Finally somebody has figured it out! In an editorial in the Austin American Statesman, the issue of the undue pressure the TAKS test puts on our public schools was finally tackled. According to the editorial, Sen. Florence Shapiro-R and Rep. Rob Eissler-R have introduced a proposal that would keep the accountability needed to determine the status of the school while removing the high stakes associated with the test. Issues such as not allowing a student to pass to the next grade level based solely on one test score or determining whether or not a school should remain open based on the schools rating. These repercussions associated with failing the test have forced teachers in the public school system to “teach to the test”. This means not only are the students and teachers stressed about having to take and pass this test the students also lose out on a lot of other information that never gets elaborated on because it’s not on the test. The implementation of this idea would bolster a very failing public school system.

Of course there will always be opposition to change; just as some of the public comments on the article have stated. But, I would challenge anyone to walk into a public elementary school on TAKS week and see the look of fear on the faces of the students and teachers alike. Just because something looks good on paper does not mean that the idea is working. If a child’s education is well rounded and taught by competent teachers, the test will be a non-issue. Private schools and charter schools in Texas also take the TAKS without having to teach to the TAKS, and more often than not the scores are beyond favorable.

I hope that these legislators do right by the children of this state and allow them to learn what they need to learn to survive in this world and to foster the hope of one day attending college. Because at this point children are disheartened with school and what it represents and many of them are just waiting to get out. School needs to be a place where children can and more importantly want to learn.