Wednesday, June 25, 2014

So, I got my student's OAA scores

So I got my student's OAA scores in an email yesterday. At first, I was really happy. I was excited. The numbers were pretty high, higher than last year.

But, as I combed over the numbers, I started to feel different. I felt disappointed. Because the numbers weren't 100%, some kids didn't pass. So, did I fail them?

Then another feeling came over me. Disgust. I started looking at the student's names and matching them with numbers.

I get the need for measurement and accountability. I do. But, I felt like I was reducing my kids to a number. A number that may not correlate with actual learning that took place.

In this constant search for data and measurement are we turning humans into numbers?

I don't know the answer to this. I don't want to just add to the pile of comments and blogs and articles and tweets about how standardized tests are destructive. I just want to share with you how I feel about this whole thing.