New light on state testing in schools

While some of us may cringe at the seriousness and stress put on students and teachers in preparing for school tests these days, local high school principal Steve Britton sheds a new light on academic tests such as the Arkansas Benchmark exam.

Spring Hill High School Principal Steve Britton said the state of Arkansas developed the testing and accountability program over 10 years ago.

"With the passage of the Federal 'No Child Left Behind Act' what Arkansas had been accomplishing and aiming towards became a national reality," Britton said.

Britton said Arkansas is a leader in school testing.

"Arkansas has been at the forefront in education reform for over 10 years. What we are hearing from the current national administration is the 'rest' of the country to improve as Arkansas already has," Britton said.

When questioned on his general attitude on testing, Britton said there are many comments regarding standardized testing and everyone has an opinion, however the tests are law.

"While we, as educators, are concerned over the immense value or weight given to this ONE test that child takes each year, we also understand that it is the law and we will follow that law. Our children have grown accustomed to these tests, the teachers are better prepared through professional development training, and the attitude towards the tests have improved," Britton said.

Britton stressed the importance of attitude of the school administration and school board.

"If the negative attitude prevails with the administration and board, then it is obvious that the same attitude will

prevail with the faculty/staff and further to the students and community. We realize that our attitude is reflected by the students. We are proud that our faculty/staff reflect this positive attitude and stress to our students to do their best. Over the last 4 years or more, our test scores have reflected this with the scores being very high, of which our community is very proud," he said.

Another question is how does an adminstrator deal with a child who may receive an A or B in a class and not score well on standardized tests?

"By NCLB, federal law stipulates that each state must develop their own 'benchmark' exams which are based upon that state's curriculum frameworks. In other words, the students are tested on precisely what

they are supposed to be taught,” he said.

Britton compared the situation to a doctor taking his or her medical board test or a lawyer who must pass state board when they reach that level of education.

" One of our concerns is that by NCLB, eventually over 100 percent of students will achieve 'proficiency' which is not realistic," he added. "In the news, one hears stories of schools that have a history over many years of under-performing. Would you want your child to attend that type of school? This is in reference to the recent national story from the Northeast. The personnel rejected the superintendent's attempts to make positive change, compromise could not be reached over a 4 year time period, and the result is the whole faculty being 'pink-slipped' and national attention called to their school situation. Many excuses/reasons were given by both sides, but in the end, it is the kids who will succeed or fail.”

He said, as well, that his school understands the new administration is talking of making changes that will impact to a different degree the schools that do not meet standards.

Test dates: March 9-10 11th grade Literacy

April 13-16 SAT 10 grades 1,2,9; MAT 8 for

Kindergarten norm-referenced test (NRT); augmented Benchmarks exam for

grades 3 through 8

April 20-21 End of Course Geometry

April 22-23 End of Course Algebra I

April 27-28 End of Course Biology

First 2 weeks in May are the Advanced Placement Exams