Letters to the Editor
More of same is misguided thinking
Jun 7, 2007 2:01 PM
To the Editor:
The narrative over increased standardized testing throughout the school year must move from quantitative to qualitative. The College Board’s Advanced Placement program should be the guide here. Examinations that are grounded, specific and focused in respective disciplines will have the dual effect of clarifying instructional goals for teachers and learning expectations for students.
Chancellor Joel Klein’s misguided thinking deems it proper to have a battery of standardized tests with the intent of predicting how students will perform on the annual state exams. The emphasis should be on reforming the state exams whereby their focus and expectations are explicit to students, teachers, administrators and parents. When examinations are precise, instruction may be tailored to address the needs of students. Increasing the number of poorly designed tests is a misuse of taxpayer dollars.
Larry Hoffner, LaGuardia HS
