This week, lots of students were working hard on their benchmarks! These benchmarks, or standardized tests, leave many students feeling stressed out and doubtful. I also know that many teachers feel it as an unnecessary burden, especially the STAAR test. These tests are taken all around the country, and every school in the NEISD District takes them. These benchmarks have been proven to be an “inadequate assessment tool”, according to Peter Sacks, a well known poet and author. The time we have for instruction is taken up by preparation for these tests, which isn’t fair to the students and teachers alike. Another thing I’d like to bring up is that the testing industry often makes many scoring mistakes, which are costly and time-consuming. In my opinion, these tests cause more problems than they’re worth. But what do you think? Should schools keep up with these tests, or should we eradicate them?
Maxine
