As my eldest child enters third grade, he is set to participate in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) standardized test this year. While many parents recall the traditional bubble tests from their own school days, today’s assessments present a different set of challenges. They begin earlier, extend over longer periods, and carry greater consequences. As a result, I share the concerns of many parents nationwide.
The ongoing debate surrounding standardized testing has led me to question not only its effects on my son but also the broader implications for society. These testing policies have faced criticism for inducing anxiety, setting unrealistic expectations, impacting cognitive development, stifling creativity, and perpetuating socioeconomic and racial disparities. I am dedicated not only to fostering my child’s growth but also to advocating for a future where all children can thrive, as they will ultimately shape our society.
In light of these worries, I have spent the past year deliberating whether to allow my son to take the PARCC test or to opt out. He is likely one of those students who may neither benefit from nor be harmed by standardized testing in the short run. He performs “at grade level” but neither struggles nor excels significantly. I doubt a two-hour test over several days would drastically alter his immediate educational trajectory.
However, the long-term ramifications are concerning. How will these tests affect his capacity for imagination, creativity, and critical thinking? Are these standardized exams, which prioritize rote responses, truly preparing our children to be adaptable and innovative in an unpredictable world? Will these assessments teach them to provide correct answers without encouraging them to ask the right questions?
There is also the risk that poorly constructed assessments could exacerbate social justice issues, particularly around race and class. Despite the intention behind initiatives aimed at ensuring that no child is left behind, many students are still falling through the cracks. I am troubled by how we can guarantee equitable access to quality education when many tests seem designed to favor certain demographics over others.
Initially, my instinct was to opt out of standardized testing altogether. Yet, my analytical partner, along with a friend who specializes in education, has guided me to seek out comprehensive information before making a decision. Thus began a year-long exploration of the complexities surrounding standardized testing, as I gathered insights and weighed my options. While I am more informed now, I still grapple with many unanswered questions.
Addressing the standardized testing debate is not straightforward; it encompasses a wide array of pros and cons that cannot be fully explored in a single article. Contrary to what some parents may think, we do have agency concerning standardized testing. We can ask questions, assess our choices, and continue seeking answers.
While I remain uncertain about whether my son will take the PARCC test or if we will choose to opt out, I have posed countless questions from various angles. How do we promote joyful learning and curiosity while still maintaining a competitive edge? How can we emphasize values like kindness, friendship, teamwork, and diversity amidst the pressures of academic achievement? How do I protect my son’s innate curiosity and creativity from being stifled by an excessive focus on test scores and metrics?
I intend to keep seeking answers, as all parents should. If deemed appropriate, my partner and I may opt our son out of testing. However, as we explore our options and advocate for meaningful educational reform, we must also acknowledge the aspects of education that are functioning well.
In my quest to navigate these questions, I found solace in a birthday book my son received from his classmates, filled with heartfelt notes and drawings—an initiative his teacher organizes for each child. This simple act reaffirmed my conviction that there are exceptional educators who recognize that kindness is more valuable than perfect spelling. These teachers understand that learning is a continuous journey and that celebrations of life moments carry more significance than rote memorization.
Across classrooms, there are wonderful children who haven’t yet been weighed down by harsh expectations or arbitrary standards. They are filled with joy, curiosity, and kindness, which deserve to be celebrated and nurtured.
Despite the evolving landscape of education and testing, it’s heartening to remember that moments of connection, like birthday books, continue to guide our children’s paths.
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Summary
The article discusses the author’s concerns about standardized testing’s impact on children and society, considering whether to opt her son out of the PARCC test. It highlights the importance of nurturing creativity and kindness in education while acknowledging the need for reform and the potential drawbacks of testing. It emphasizes the role of supportive educators and the value of personal connections in the learning process.