Schools

NYS Test Scores: Setting High Standards or Undercutting Education?

The results of tests based on the Common Core curriculum are in. What are your thoughts?

Written by Lon Cohen.

Standardized test scores from across New York State were released last week and the results showed a dramatic decrease in levels of English and Math skills in districts across the region, including Long Island. 

The results were from tests tied to a new federal education standard called the Common Core curriculum, which New York adopted in 2010.

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Even before the results were reported parents in many districts protested the increase in testing on students saying that "teaching to the test" replaced a real education and ties teacher's hand when it came to doing their jobs. Some went as far as "opting out" of the tests by keeping children home during the testing periods.

In a statement released last Wednesday, State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr., acknowledged that more students across the state struggled on these tests this year than in previous years because they were based on the "new, challenging standards" of the Common Core curriculum.

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We want every single one of our students to be on track for college and careers by the time they graduate from high school," King said. "Our former standards did not prepare all of our students for 21st century college and careers."

Individual school districts had three years to implement the Common Core standards, knowing that the spring 2013 assessments were on the horizon. In a recent memo, Ken Slentz, a deputy commissioner with the state's Department of Education, said the Common Core standards "were developed by mapping backwards from college and career success, internationally benchmarked, and informed by research."

How do you feel about it now that the results are in? You can review your district's individual performance here (and Patch will be reporting on district test scores as well). Let us know what you think. Tell us your opinion on the following by commenting below:

Scores dropped but is it because the tests are too tough or did students not get ample opportunity to learn the material?

What are your fears and hopes for your children and other students in the district moving forward?

Do you think the tests were fair/unfair/too tough/just right for competitiveness on national/global stage educationally?


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