By: Dr. Arnold Dodge
There are many good things to boast about in our schools: improved classroom instruction, a data analysis approach to student progress, state-of-the-art technology integrated into our curriculum, thriving athletic, physical education and wellness activities, a character education initiative, a top-notch performing arts program, a bond issue that will enable us to increase classroom and library space and address infrastructure needs, a professional and caring staff, a supportive community and great kids. These elements are the foundation for a great school experience.
While I can talk all day with depth and passion about our schools - and after 36 years and four school districts I think I speak with some authority on the subject - I am left angry and frustrated with the media's attempt to characterize schools by a single test score. This issue has raised its head again recently with Newsday's request for district-by-district Advanced Placement (AP) scores for Long Island schools. After much discussion, the East Rockaway School Board chose not to participate in this survey. This decision was based on concerns that the full story would not get to our community about one of our programs. With regard to our AP program, the fact is that we empanelled a committee of teachers, parents and students to review the entire program. After an in-depth study, which included research on how other districts handle their AP programs, the committee made recommendations for changes. One of the issues the committee tackled was the high cost of taking these tests - currently at $82 per examination.
A companion issue was the ability for some communities to pay huge fees for in-school and private tutoring for AP tests. Even with the knowledge that this is not a level playing field we, nevertheless, decided that we had to do better. East Rockaway raised the bar for our AP program, as a result of this review.
We are currently phasing in a new policy which we believe will improve the AP curriculum and increase the tests written. Would Newsday have reported on the efforts of the review committee? Would they have done an in-depth report on the dozen or so initiatives that we have undertaken to improve the academic and social experiences of our students? Or, would East Rockaway have been reduced to a number with no further explanation?
Comparing districts on single dimensions should be odious to anyone who understands the complexity of schools. The identity of a school district should not hinge on whether it makes the hit parade of test scores.
I believe accountability is important. In fact, without accountability there can be no improvement. In East Rockaway we aggressively review our test scores to see where weaknesses in our curriculum exist. We make changes in staff, curriculum and methodologies depending on those reviews. We adhere to the standards and core curriculum from the state and tailor our classroom activities to fit these parameters. We do not shy away from our need to improve. The Board of Education has charged me with the responsibility for improving our instructional programs.
What I will not be a party to, if I can help it, is the invidious and superficial comparisons that are made in these test score charts that the media finds so appealing. Whether it is the third-grade ELA test or the eighth-grade math test, an 11th grade science test, or an AP score, tests are only part of a school district. If used carefully and thoughtfully they provide diagnostic information which can lead to improved instruction. If used as a blunt instrument - to batter schools that may be "out-resourced" by other schools - then they are punishing and counterproductive.
Other fallout from this test comparison craze includes bribing students with fantastic prizes and gifts if they do well on tests. In one example, a North Carolina school gives a "lucky" AP scholar a chance at winning a brand new car. Another district has taken to offering vouchers for trips if test scores improve. The federal government is thinking of ranking all 18,000 high schools - no doubt the criteria will be test scores. Schools throughout the country are abandoning the curriculum for test preparation lessons.
Schools have learned their lessons all too well. Either get on the test prep bandwagon or risk losing your standing in the community. Real estate agents no longer chirp location, location, location. Their new mantra is test scores, test scores, test scores.
It is time to take a deep, collective breath and look at what test mandates have wrought. The politicians are proud that they have finally brought accountability to the schoolhouse. The media thrives on comparison reporting. The students and their need for creativity, socialization, and developmentally appropriate experiences seem almost incidental to this testing juggernaut. Kids have been reduced to a rating of 1-4 as their new student ID.
I am reminded of listening to the radio when I was younger and hearing the warning issued by the emergency broadcast system. I offer this emergency warning for today's schools: This is only a test. If this were a real examination of schools the public would demand more information.
<< ITAL>> Dr. Arnold Dodge is superintendent of schools for the East Rockaway School District.
