Parents vs. teachers
There are a number of interesting results in the recent AP-AOL Learning Services poll that took the temperature of parents and teachers on various issues. There are multiple sharp divides, mostly in places you would expect -- for example, how much each group thinks discipline in school is a problem (hint: the people who work there aren't wearing the rose-colored glasses). Similarly, parents and teachers unsurprisingly agree on the importance of recruiting and retaining good teachers.
One result which I thought was particularly interesting, though far from shocking, was this:
Now, I've said it before, and I'll say it yet again: I don't have a problem with the idea of standardized tests, and in fact I wholeheartedly support a strong accountability system, I just take major exception with the structures, format and content we use. The thing is, my opinion of standardized tests is informed by dozens of hours working with the tests, looking through the tests and reading about the tests. And I am not even on the same continent as anyone who has studied psychometrics.
I don't think the vast majority of parents have ever read their state's standardized test. Certainly not the bulk of the 48% that seem to indicate the tests are a-OK. Almost all the states have sample questions buried deep in their Dept. of Ed. web site, but I can't imagine a particularly significant number of parents utilize that resource. As such, most parents can't likely form a good opinion on whether standardized tests are authentically testing the skills we want our kids to have, whether "test prep" is consequently the same as good teaching, etc.
A lot of the results in this poll point to a relative lack of engagement by the parents in education -- a two-way street, to be sure. But ultimately, educational progress is going to come via the will of parents, and at least when it comes to assessment, there needs to be some way to get the parents informed if we're going to see the evolution we need.
One result which I thought was particularly interesting, though far from shocking, was this:
While teachers oppose standardized testing, parents have mixed views. Seventy-two percent of teachers say there is too much emphasis on standardized testing at their schools, compared to less than half (48%) of parents.
Now, I've said it before, and I'll say it yet again: I don't have a problem with the idea of standardized tests, and in fact I wholeheartedly support a strong accountability system, I just take major exception with the structures, format and content we use. The thing is, my opinion of standardized tests is informed by dozens of hours working with the tests, looking through the tests and reading about the tests. And I am not even on the same continent as anyone who has studied psychometrics.
I don't think the vast majority of parents have ever read their state's standardized test. Certainly not the bulk of the 48% that seem to indicate the tests are a-OK. Almost all the states have sample questions buried deep in their Dept. of Ed. web site, but I can't imagine a particularly significant number of parents utilize that resource. As such, most parents can't likely form a good opinion on whether standardized tests are authentically testing the skills we want our kids to have, whether "test prep" is consequently the same as good teaching, etc.
A lot of the results in this poll point to a relative lack of engagement by the parents in education -- a two-way street, to be sure. But ultimately, educational progress is going to come via the will of parents, and at least when it comes to assessment, there needs to be some way to get the parents informed if we're going to see the evolution we need.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 2:30 PM.
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