Standardized testing [“Lawmakers vote to cut tie between state test scores and teacher ratings,” Feb. 7] needs to be part of the whole picture when evaluating individual student growth, but it needs to be a small part of the puzzle that values growth versus proficiency for every student struggling to advance. Assessments also need to be inclusive of multiple intelligences and various learning styles that identify targeted areas of strength and weakness and value growth from their starting point in these areas over time.

Deirdra Murphy-O'Connor, educator in Rockland County
(via Facebook)