Shaundalyn Elliott's Diary
The First 180 Days

Who's to Blame when Kids Fail?

Week 29

Last week, all students in Alabama took the Stanford Achievement Tests (SATs). For two weeks before the tests, teachers used class time to review with students various concepts related to the test. Many teachers expressed concern about the test, however, and about the review process.

Traditionally, SATs were developed as a supplemental student assessment tool. Today, however, it seems that the tests are used to evaluate teachers' performances in the classroom. In my district, for example, if all students fail the SATs, the school is placed on "academic alert." That allows state officials to come in, essentially take over classes, and help teachers reevaluate their lessons in hopes of raising student scores. If the majority of students fail, the school is placed on "caution" and school officials may come in to monitor classes and offer suggestions for improving instruction. If the failure rate is low, the school is in the clear and the teachers' classrooms are left undisturbed.

In my opinion, the consequence of low test scores is the punishment of teachers. Our city and state officials apparently believe that teachers are responsible for their students' ability to pass the SATs. Teachers whose students fail must reevaluate their teaching styles and reexamine their teaching ability. Although that may be appropriate in some cases, it certainly is not appropriate in all circumstances.

Most teachers are dedicated individuals who manage to cover all aspects of their subject area and, at the same time, act as parents, friends, counselors, nurses, and so on. In the short amount of time we have to work with students, we are expected to do more than is humanly possible -- and our contributions to students' lives are rarely acknowledged.

The SAT form of standardized testing is an insult to today's educators. We are held liable for each student's ability to successfully take standardized tests -- something that is beyond our control. Aside from the fact that standardized tests are intrinsically biased, the real issue is that many students simply do not score well on standardized tests; as a result teachers are blamed.

Where is the justice for teachers? Why is it that when a child does not learn, the child's teacher is automatically at fault? Why aren't children being forced to accept responsibility for their actions? Although it is true that teachers are supposed to inspire and motivate students to do well on all tests, standardized or not; what happens when they fail? Does that mean we are not performing as teachers -- or could it be that the students are not performing up to the standards they are capable of reaching? This is the often the case and, because it is, teacher credibility needs to be reinstated. The top officials owe us an apology.

Click here to return to the article. Shaundalyn Elliot
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