Why testing matters
How are test results used
by the state?
Beth: In the past, these tests were used to
follow the school rating or goal guidelines
set in the No Child Left Behind Act. In Alabama, the test scores were used to evaluate
a school, possibly putting it on a watch list
with the State Department of Education. In
other states, the scores are used to evaluate
teachers and employment.
How do teachers use
the test results?
Beth: As a teacher, I look at the scores to
find areas in which my lessons may need
revamping. I don’t think of the scores as a
direct reflection of my personal teaching;
students’ scores can be affected by too many
factors (not enough sleep, poor attitude,
non-academic problems, outside factors,
etc.) for them to accurately reflect my teaching effectiveness. I hope that the test-taking
skills an