Amarillo Federation of Teachers have started a survey on that topic
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- This past week Texas schools administered the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test or TAKS test. For years standardized testing has been a topic of debate across the state. The Amarillo Federation of Teachers have started a survey and forum on that topic.
In 2011 the TAKS will be replaced with the new STAAR exam, basically a different version of standardized testing. While many educators say that some type of assessment or standardized testing will never go away. One local organization believes that there are problems with that assessment.
"The big discussion, should teachers evaluation, the primary percentage be based on test results? They need to be evaluated on their whole entire process of teaching not just the test scores," said Tara Moreland, President of the Amarillo Federation of Teachers.
According to Moreland another disadvantage of this type of testing is the pressure and stress it puts on students, and how standardized testing can determine whether a student passes or fails.
"If that's the sole deciding factor that the student promotes or not; that's where the students are getting stressed out about the test. There is much more to measuring a student on what they've actually learned than one test the entire school year," said Moreland.
The Amarillo Federation of Teachers have started a survey on their website. Is there too much testing? The survey encourages comments and experiences from educators, parents, students, and concerned citizens. The AFT survey can be found by clicking the link provided below. Information about testing in Texas, the Texas Education Agency, and the American Federation of Teachers can also be found by checking out the links provided below.
