In a good way!<\/p>\n
This is a very interesting story; I’m going to pass along the press release without modification:<\/p>\n
NEA PRESIDENT SUPPORTS SEATTLE EDUCATORS WHO REFUSE TO GIVE FLAWED STANDARDIZED TEST<\/strong><\/p>\n
***Standardized test takes away from student learning***<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON\u2014National Education Association (NEA) members at Garfield High School in Seattle, Wash., voted to not administer the district-mandated Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) standardized test that is not aligned with state standards or the district curriculum. NEA has long urged for the careful consideration of the fact that these tests are being used to make decisions about students\u2019 and teachers\u2019 futures, and have corrupted the pursuit of improving real learning and effective teaching.<\/p>\n
A rally event organized by the Seattle Education Association in support of Garfield High School educators will be held in Seattle on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at 4 p.m. PST at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.<\/p>\n
The following is a statement by NEA President Dennis Van Roekel:<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is a defining moment within the education profession as educators at Seattle\u2019s Garfield High School take a heroic stand against using the MAP test as a basis for measuring academic performance and teacher effectiveness. I, along with 3 million educators across the country, proudly support their efforts in saying \u2018no\u2019 to giving their students a flawed test that takes away from learning and is not aligned with the curriculum. Garfield High School educators are receiving support from the parents of Garfield students. They have joined an ever-growing chorus committed to one of our nation\u2019s most critical responsibilities\u2014educating students in a manner that best serves the realization of their fullest potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cEducators across the country know what\u2019s best for their students, and it\u2019s no different for our members in Seattle. We know that having well-designed assessment tools can help students evaluate their own strengths and needs, and help teachers improve. This type of assessment isn\u2019t done in one day or three times a year. It\u2019s done daily, and educators need the flexibility to collaborate with their colleagues and the time to evaluate on-going data to make informed decisions about what\u2019s best for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we want a system that is designed to help all students, we must allow educators, parents, students and communities to be a part of the process and have a stronger voice in this conversation as they demand high-quality assessments that support student learning. Off-the-shelf assessments that are not aligned with the curriculum or goals of the school are not the answer.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In a good way! This is a very interesting story; I’m going to pass along the press release without modification: NEA PRESIDENT SUPPORTS SEATTLE EDUCATORS WHO REFUSE TO GIVE FLAWED STANDARDIZED TEST ***Standardized test takes away from student learning*** WASHINGTON\u2014National Education Association (NEA) members at Garfield High School in Seattle, Wash., voted to not administer … Continue reading The Teachers are Revolting!<\/span>