I have had a problem with standardized tests for as long as I can remember, I didn’t even like them back when I had to write them. I ask myself at these times of year why we put students through all of this stress, preparation and wasted time for something that has little to no practical application outside the school walls. Although these exams may very well test some curricular outcomes, I believe there are far more effective and relevant assessments we could provide for students (particularly in English) With that said, government tests and I are now at a temporary ceasefire. I mark diploma exams for the Alberta government, because as the adage goes, “If you can’t beat them…”
So here’s why I have “joined them.” It is no secret that teachers are a social bunch. Often in these marking sessions I meet some very interesting teachers doing some very interesting things, and the mix is very different than anywhere else. (In fact, it is much like Twitter, in which your circle of influence intersects with other’s to broaden your overall capacity for support and knowledge) Last year, I met a teacher that taught at my elementary school when I was a student there, and now is teaching High School English. I was floored even to have run into her, and then something more interesting happened. Through our conversations we discussed some of the resources was collaborating on with teachers at my school, and some of the gains we had made in teaching film study. She was so intrigued she asked to see the presentation, and then asked me to send her a DVD of it once we were back at our respective schools.
It is possible that I could have run into that teacher in a myriad of ways, but I am a firm believer that we make our circumstances congenial by arranging situations for them to be so. If we have to give our students ‘the test’ I want it to inform my practice, I want to be a part of the marking of it so I can discuss it cogently with my students, and I want to meet every possible peer I can to ensure that we are learning from and sharing with each other!
Much like I spend my time writing blog posts and engaging in Twitter discussions not to impart knowledge, but to join the larger conversation. So let’s get talking!
As always, thanks for reading and have a great day!
I do believe you’ve made a silk purse our of a sow’s ear. Thank you for reminding us that collaboration, for whatever designed purpose, can have startling potential.
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