Standardized tests promote the following:
They assume that all students learn and develop at the same pace.
They narrow the curriculum.
They remove the teacher as expert.
They are used unfairly to rate and grade school districts.
They do not truly consider the diverse background and socioeconomic considerations of all students.
They do not present an accurate, in-depth and representative picture of student learning.
The big business of standardized testing (ETS, AIR, PARCC) has hijacked the legislature to manipulate the American public school system. These tests prevent a focus on things that matter such as student character development, creativity and imagination.
We sign this petition in the hopes of removing the high stakes standardized tests as a means to rate students and schools.