In recent months, parents in many communities served by Greater Media Newspapers have come before their local school board to comment on the issue of student testing.
In broad terms, parents have raised concerns about the number of exams their children are required to take and the amount of classroom time that is devoted to what some people refer to as “teaching to the test.”
This week, parents have an opportunity to bring their concerns directly to a state panel that is examining the issue. If you have something to say to state officials about school testing, this is your chance.
The Study Commission on the Use of Student Assessments in New Jersey was created through the issuance of an Executive Order by Gov. Chris Christie.
The commission is reviewing the qual- ity and effectiveness of K-12 student assessments administered in New Jersey.
The commission will hold a public forum at 6 p.m. Jan. 29 in the auditorium of Jackson Liberty High School, 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson.
People who are interested in testifying are asked to preregister online at www.state.nj.us/education/studycommission or by calling 609-984-6024.
The commission recommends that testimony be limited to five minutes per person. Individuals who want to attend the public forum but not testify also are asked to preregister.
According to the state Department of Education, the commission is charged with reviewing and providing appropriate recommendations about the volume, frequency and impact of student assessments occurring throughout New Jersey school districts, including those administered for college admission, college credit and college pathways. The commission also is charged with making recommendations regarding the Core Curriculum Content Standards, including the Common Core State Standards and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness of College and Careers (PARCC) assessments.
Each of these topics has been raised by parents during school board meetings. The parents’ comments have slowly but surely caused school district administrators to react to and address what the parents have been saying.
Last week, the study commission issued its interim report. According to the Department of Education, the commission reviewed public perceptions regarding over-testing of students, including the various kinds of assessments being given in classrooms.
The commission focused on efficiencies in overall testing in terms of quality and quantity.
The commission found that individual schools and classrooms have, over time, developed a number of different tests with different purposes that, if not constantly reviewed for redundancy or quality, may be problematic in terms of limiting instructional time or detracting from the student experience, according to a Department of Education press release.
It has been quite a while since a topic in education has galvanized members of the public. Greater Media Newspapers has sought to give parents an outlet for their views about student testing. Now, parents may speak directly to a study commission that has been appointed by the governor to consider this important matter.
Mark Rosman is a managing editor with Greater Media Newspapers. He may be reached at [email protected].