more on testing...

I could not loathe standardized testing anymore than I do right now. It's as if schools are operating with the mentality that the goal is to squash all individuality and creativity as young as possible. Children do not all learn the same way- why should we test them all the same way? It's not rocket science. Our "high stakes test" is tomorrow and we have to cover everything in the halls and the classrooms with butcher paper. We have to take the clocks off the walls. We even have to take the alphabet off of the wall. Heaven forbid a student see how to write a cursive a, b, c, or d... that may give them an unfair advantage. And curse the teacher who leaves an encouraging poster within view. We don't want those kids feeling good about themselves. And bringing your own snacks or even water? Forget about it. One of our administrators actually told us the risk was too great that the water could spill on one of the precious standardized tests to warrant letting students bring water. In bottles. And bringing your own snacks? Don't even think about it. You will eat what we give you. If you don't like it, tough. Wouldn't it make more sense -for the students and the schools who value these scores so much-- to ensure that students are as physically comfortable and satiated as possible while taking these tests? For the next two days, I have to administer these tests that I disagree so strongly with. I am forced to read from a script the State has given me. I may not defer from these words. Wow. Is this really America in 2010? After all we've learned about multiple intelligences and the value of creativity? Is this really the same society that claims to value "thinking outside of the box"? Could've fooled me.