What do you think about more testing?

11/7/11 UPDATE:

APS has now cut out some of theses tests as a result of "feedback" they've been receiving. "Removing" tests from SEPT. and OCT. is virtually impossible, so no benefit here. Now students only lose 3-10 hours of teaching time. 

• These tests are NOT necessary. Teachers assess student progress.
• Tests are NOT professionally developed based on research.
• Teachers are NOT getting results in a timely manner to help students. If teacher deficiencies need to be uncovered, more observations are needed by Principals.

More feedback is needed! Contact  Super of Instruction Karen Waldon kwaldon AT atlanta.k12.ga.us and/or Super Davis ebdavis AT atlanta.k12.ga.us with your concerns. 

We're working on a petition and will have that available soon. Let teachers TEACH, and let administrators focus on supporting teacher improvement wherever needed!

• 1st & 2nd Graders will take 6 tests throughout the year
• 3rd & 4th Graders will take 19 tests throughout the year
• 5th Graders will take 20 tests throughout the year
• 6th Graders will take 19 tests throughout the year
• 7th Graders will take 18 tests throughout the year
• 8th Graders will take 19 tests throughout the year
• Approximately 35 weeks of class for students (176 days for instruction) on APS calendar

• Teacher comments/experiences would be invaluable - and anonymous

Atlanta Public Schools hopes to get a better grasp on student performance PRIOR to the end of year CRCT with internally-created assessments. They want to insure teachers are covering all materials in the correct amount of time and in the correct order (scope & sequence), yet the these details will change as we move to national Common Core Standards over the next 3 years. See OTHER DISTRICT TESTS to compare APS to surrounding school districts.

Problem is this doesn't truly benefit the students and was implemented AFTER school began so planning was complete. Yes there are some benefits to assessments but these will provide little dependable data and are too costly financially and professionally in terms of time spent away from instruction and teacher support.

Tests will be approx. 25 questions (Scantron/bubble graded by computer) with 1 extended response (graded by hand by teachers). Results are to be returned to teachers within 48 hours so adjustments to instruction can be made. The following assessments will be administered by teachers in the classroom:

• 1st & 2nd Graders will take 9 tests throughout the year
• 3rd & 4th Graders will take 24 tests throughout the year
• 5th Graders will take 27 tests throughout the year
• 6th Graders will take 29 tests throughout the year
• 7th Graders will take 30 tests throughout the year
• 8th Graders will take 34 tests throughout the year
• Approximately 35 weeks of class for students (176 days for instruction) on APS calendar

- Would students benefit more from instructional time instead of assessments?

- Are teachers comfortable with inserting these assessments into their teaching plans?

- Is the goal of educating our children TODAY being traded for potential long-term gains?

Comment away!

If you'd like to contact APS for more information:

Superintendent Erroll Davis: ebdavis AT atlanta.k12.ga.us
Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Staff Steve Smith: swsmith AT atlantak12.ga.us Dr. Raymond Hart - Research/Planning/Accountability: rhart AT atlantak12.ga.us
Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Karen Waldon: kwaldon AT atlanta12.ga.us

Your APS Board Members are http://www.atlantapublicschools.us/page/37
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