"I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power." - Thomas Jefferson 1820

"There is a growing technology of testing that permits us now to do in nanoseconds things that we shouldn't be doing at all." - Dr. Gerald Bracey author of Rotten Apples in Education

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Thursday, June 30, 2011

School District Allows Cell Phone Use During Standardized Tests


Why should students study facts for standardized tests when they can use their cell phones for information? Read this story about "school district first to permit cell phone use during standardized tests":

The Harper Valley School Board recently adopted a new policy that allows students to use their cell phones to search for answers on state-mandated standardized tests. "There's no doubt this new policy will raise student test scores district-wide but it will also improve our rankings statewide," said District Superintendent Carly Moore. Cellphones will be allowed for testing periods during the 2011-2012 school year, although there could be roadblocks ahead from state officials.

This is a satirical piece from the Green Onion News Network. I particularly like the "Harper Valley School Board" name and a father being labeled a "hactivist".) But it's probably not beyond the imaginable. While students wouldn't have to memorize facts for standardized tests, they would also not have to be subjected to being "taught to the test":

Her husband, Larry, a self-described hacktavist, convinced her that cell phones would help kids think of standardized tests as a massively multiplayer game, in which they were cracking secret educational codes. Mr. McMaster said that he would prefer to see standardized testing eliminated and he embraced his wife's idea as a means to that end. "If every kid in America could find the right answer to every question, maybe testing will just go away."

Perhaps the fine Facebook group "Parents and Kids Against Standardized Testing" would like to try this idea! They have some serious questions about standardized tests and how and what they test...and if these tests are truly important in the education of American students.

2 comments:

  1. hmmm I like it.... although my state would forbid it. I feel relatively intelligent and I look up answers to things all the time. It's called research, something educators promote but don't allow.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well, this allows for more Marxist indoctrination during the year because you won't need classroom hours for test preparation and real learning. I see the benefit. How about just giving the answer sheet during the test? That will improve test scores even more, help the kids complete the test faster and give the teachers the afternoon off.

    ReplyDelete

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