On Friday, the Florida Department of Education released FSA scores to school districts and parents. This single standardized test determines advancement to the next grade, graduation eligibility, teacher pay, school grades and funding. For many, this is a time for celebration- for others, a time for concern.
Regardless, it must be a time of reflection for all of us. If we really want to end the toxic testing environments in our schools, we must realize that the score in no way defines either the student or the teacher.
The Florida Standards Assessment is the central part of the overall accountability system that perches precariously on the shoulders of students and their teachers. However, the Florida Constitution states that our state legislators must be the most accountable for public education. Yet, here we are- saddled with low funding, a questionable, high-stakes state test, and an accountability system that punishes the end user.
As parents and families, we must support our students and their teachers by holding legislators accountable. Florida can do better and must follow other states that offer alternatives to standardized testing to demonstrate proficiency. Take action to quickly tell your elected state senator and representative that education is about much, much more than one test score.
