Most educators I know recognize so many problems, many
unintended, with standardized testing.
We have seen the demands of the classroom and the impacts on students
change dramatically in the last decade or so.
Yet we rarely speak up. Sure, we
complain amongst ourselves and with our families. But we are not organized and vocal. We depend on lobbyists, professional PR
people, unions and supportive politicians.
But where is the voice of the actual educator? We need to be speaking for ourselves. The American public largely supports us as
individuals within our own communities, but shudders when pundits and lawyers
speak. So let’s speak up in our
communities and make a difference.
Dr. Joshua Starr, superintendent of schools in Montgomery
County, Maryland has done so. He is
calling for a moratorium on standardized testing. He has eloquently spoken out about the
multitude of things educators and schools are trying to do at once. He has spoken out against the use of standardized
test scores in teacher evaluation. He
has demonstrated real leadership from the point of view of an educator in the
trenches. We may not all agree with all
his suggestions for every community, but I am sure we can all agree that
leadership demands a willingness to start the conversation, to get people
talking, and to get people thinking outside the box.
Use whatever pulpit you have. Speak out.
Speak often. Consider the possibilities. Seriously consider what you think is best for
your students and for our communities’ future.
Read a little here about Dr. Starr.
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