I hope you are doing well. I wanted to thank you for providing me an amazing elementary school experience. I remember the third grade lovingly for the exploration in learning, art and friendships you allowed me to pursue. I was excited to attend school each day knowing you had an engaging lesson plan that was helpful to our learning. One of my fondest memories is playing the pizza game in the baseball field to help understand fractions. There was always a new art project you planned for us which I loved. The memories I have of third grade are full laughs, fun, and a passion for learning.
I am also, contacting you in regards to the issue of standardize tests in the school system especially in the elementary school classroom. I chose to contact you because of your experience as an educator. You have seen many changes in the education system through out your career, and I would love to hear your thoughts on standardized testing.
In my English class at Gonzaga University we have been discussing the issues and the negative effects on the students, teachers and the school. I surprised to read in “Road to Rome” by Jonathan Kozol, that these tests were an issue in the learning process for children since I never noticed these tests affecting my learning. One issue regarding the use of tests is the limited use of imagination in the classroom. Many teachers have cut art and creative projects in order to stick with the strict curriculum. The lack of creative learning avenues is upsetting because I know how much I gained from creative projects in your class. These projects hung all over my house, and taught me the importance exploring. I see a pattern of students doing exactly what they are told, and not exploring their own interests. At such a young age students are losing the important ability to be creative, and use their imagination. Personally, I have never experienced this issue since you created an environment of exploration, and innovation.
In addition, the standardized tests are not an accurate way of measuring students learning. While the test can measure the fundamental skills, tests do not measure important abilites such as critical thinking and social skills. Also, students are taught that these tests determine their placement for the following year, which can place unnecessary pressure on the student to perform well. Scores should not determine whether a child passes the class; an educator should make that decision based on the ability to learn in the classroom setting. An educator who is with the child every day is the ideal person to can gage the student’s growth in fundamental, critical thinking and social skills. These skills are important to the development of a student and the state does not seem to grasp this concept. Corporate CEO’s are complaining that students are not learning the necessary skills to succeed in the workplace. I believe that these skills are being pushed aside in elementary school in order to prepare for tests. While I never noticed the tests as an issue in third grade, I find myself struggling to think critically. These tests may have more of an effect on me than I originally thought.
I discussed some of my issues with standardized tests in elementary schools, and I want to hear your opinions regarding the topic. Your perspective as a teacher might give me some insight that is not apparent to non-educators, like myself. If you know of any books, and articles that would further enlighten me on the topic, I would love to read them. I want to become as educated as possible so that I can help make changes in the education system.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I would love to catch up next time I am in Olympia.
Sincerely,
Regina Ballew