The school system where I work has proposed implementing Pay for Performance for teachers beginning in 2014. One of the measures that will be used to evaluate teacher effectiveness with be a value added measure. Using a formula that includes student testing results, each teacher will be assigned a value added number. (You can imagine the uproar that this rating system has evoked.) In an effort to have as much data as possible by 2014, students will be given a summative test (one test for each of the subjects including math, reading, social studies, and science) at the end of this school year.
There is already a significant amount of testing taking place in the system with state EOGs and formal system-wide formative & summative tests (not to mention the myriad of informal testing that takes place throughout the course of the year). I understand the value of assessing students’ skills to celebrate successes and adjust teaching methods to reach & challenge each student. Unfortunately, standardized tests most often only assess students on basic level thinking skills.
There have been major concerns voiced from parents and teachers regarding this new round of testing that will take away from meaningful instructional time. Another predominant concern is that students and teachers will be focused on test-taking skills and strategies (after all, a teacher's salary will be directly dependent on their students' test performance) rather than on problem-solving skills and higher order thinking which are key components in effective teaching and learning.
Enter the Cognitive Flexibility Theory…
While logistically it’s harder for me to wrap my head around this model, it is a great structure for helping learners to think critically. By being scenario-based, students are engaged in real world situations. I love the dual structure that include multiple media representations that introduce the same concepts, but in different formats as well as the multiple case perspectives that challenge students to look at examples from different points of view. I love the elements of problem-solving and critical thinking that have to take place in this model. When I think about ideals in education and buzz words linked to student learning, the ability to analyze, problem-solve, evaluate, construct meaning, think critically, make meaningful connections, and synthesize all come to mind. This model of Cognitive Flexibility/Case-Based Learning go hand in hand to promote rich learning experiences.
So, let’s push for CFT & CBL rather than more standardized tests! :)
Hi Julie! I completely agree with you. The standardized tests need to go. We need to focus on these design models that will prepare our students for the future. After all, once they enter college and the workforce, they will need to be able to do all of the important things that you noted in your blog (i.e. higher order thinking skills, analyze, problem solve, etc.).
ReplyDeleteJulie and Donia-I agree with you both completely. All standardized testing proves it that students can successfully take a test. We should prepare student for the "real world". When problems arise in their work environment they will not take a test to solve it-they must figure out how to. I also like the skills you noted in your blog; they will play a very important role in being successful in life!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Julie, if standardized testing is not the best measure of learning, then a reward system such as Pay for Performance which puts so much value on standardized testing would not be a good idea. With this system, goals of the instructor as far as how they should teach students will seem misdirected. Better test performance = bigger teacher paycheck. Doesn't that make the meaning of education a bit superficial? I am in favor of rewarding instructors for their achievements, and it should be based on factors like innovation, creativity, and other measures of success, not just test scores. If students are not performing well in class, there may be other factors to look into and the solution may not be as simple as enticing teachers with financial incentive. I would urge the administrators to exercise some "cognitive flexibility" with this situation. I hope teachers and parents successfully argue the case to dismiss the proposal. Good luck!
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