Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Negative Influence of High-stakes Tests on Teaching

Question: How does emphasis on tests limit what teachers can and should do?

Answer—Quote: “As I write this column, the health care bill has just passed. Watching the debate on television, following subsequent media commentary, reading in newspapers, magazines, and online sources, and engaging in heated conversations with friends and family, I am reminded of the need for civil public discourse—including discussion—in a democratic society, if we are to make progress toward solving important social problems. You may worry, however, that teaching students to hold quality discussions will not directly increase their test scores (Gallagher, 2009).” P. 63.

Comment: I can’t add anything to this eloquent introduction to the article. RayS.

Title: “Inventing Your Way into High-Quality Student Discussions.” Nancy Shankin. Voices form the Middle (December 2010), 63-65.

Be sure to check out http://engarchive20-rays.blogspot.com/ for more ideas on teaching English.

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