Beware leaning on the Common Core

Our community is in danger of sustaining a substantial loss. A loss of sense and purposes within our school system. The Hewlett=Woodmere district is a testament to the adverse effects of the overwhelming changes that have come with an increase in standardized testing.

Recently, pressure regarding new testing mandates has been intensified by the application of the state mandated Common Core Learning Standards that have redesigned curriculums. The intent behind these standards is certainly understandable, but the high demands and detrimental long-term effects do more harm than good. All students in our district have been impacted severely after standardized tests became the primary means of assessing student and teacher achievement.

Consequently, I have witnessed several of my teachers channel their total teaching efforts toward the exams, causing many untested yet valuable lessons to become de-emphasized. Unfortunately, teachers often feel compelled to place much emphasis on the exams, and therefore there is hardly time for that exciting question or discussion from an intrigued student. Eliminating such teachable, essential moments strays completely from our school system’s original mission: to enhance learning and teach children what they need to know for life. Moreover, it contradicts the goal of our educators; to inspire students to think beyond the facts of the immediate lesson. So, may I ask, where did our sense of creativity and independence go?

Undoubtedly, standardized testing has had a tremendous impact upon my high school career. Practically before I was introduced to my teachers, I was introduced to a baseline test. Testing now exists even in my physical education course. I never thought I would need a pencil in that class. I recall the countless hours of studying, the late nights before the exam working to memorize all that we have been “taught,” and the endless numbers of showers taken to wash away the stress. But I am not alone. Even the youngest students in our district are forced to take these rigorous exams, some before they can write their own names. As a result, more students are experiencing anxiety and are being tutored instead of partaking in childhood extra-curricular activities.

I believe that no student should endure the angst and worry of whether they will pass a single exam that accounts for so much. More importantly, no student should feel ashamed if they do not meet the “standards” or “expectations.” After all, don’t we all have different abilities?

Don’t get me wrong. Certainly we want students to achieve high standards but not at the expense of every other experience at school. Relying upon the results of an isolated test defies the other educational values we have been encouraged to cherish such as art, music, collaborative skills, and hands-on learning.

Luckily, our district has not completely conformed. We still believe in the value of a well-rounded student and determine the success and improvement of both our students and teachers by measuring their passion to learn, desire to succeed, and their effort dedicated to their schoolwork. These are the qualities that define the students of today and the innovators of tomorrow. Perhaps we need to be reminded by our youngest students what school is really about. And ultimately, we will find that they deserve to be having fun blowing bubbles rather than constantly filling in test bubbles.

bubbles.” we will find that they deserve to be having fun blowing bubbles as well as working to fill in test bubbles.