# data[].attributes.body
My name is Elizabeth Carey and I have been in education for 5 years. I have experience in kindergarten, first grade, and third grade. I have worked with general education students, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities. I have worked in public schools where I taught all subjects as well as virtual learning. My end goal is to be an instructional coordinator and then eventually a principal. I hope to be the leader of successful schools and assist educators in achieving their greatest potential.

This topic would ideally reach educators, administrators, and parents of school aged students. Educators could benefit from information on required testing in schools to better understand the reasoning behind standardized testing and formative assessment and the benefits it can have for students' academic success. Education, as a whole, has made a large push towards standardized testing for students grades 3 and up. This push has resulted in many educators leaving the profession and added stress for teachers, students, administrators, and parents. This stress has many negative effects on the mental health of these groups of people. By taking a deeper look on the reasoning for standardized testing and the benefits that can come from the results, a better understanding can be gained by teachers, students, parents and administrators.

The topic of testing in schools is important because many people do not see the benefit of this stressful aspect of education. Testing in schools does create stress for many people, but the data gained from the results can assist in forming instructional strategies and curriculum that creates the most academic achievement. I chose this topic because I feel that giving educators and parents a better understanding of testing can help create a more inclusive community of understanding, resulting in higher achievement for students.

# data[].attributes.body
In my interview with Mrs. Lisa Bessent, an elementary school principal, she opened my eyes to a few new perspectives on testing in schools. Having taught many grades, kindergarten through sixth grade, and leading the elementary campus, kindergarten through fifth grade for 5 years, she has gained a new perspective on the importance of testing, and the benefits that can be gained from the data. Speaking from her experience, testing in schools is important for administrators for a variety of reasons. The first reason being that testing in schools provides accountability for teachers and for students. Teachers can reflect on their teaching practices and strategies that reach the most students. Testing in schools is beneficial for students because it provides them with an idea of areas of strength and weaknesses. While testing has some benefits, testing in schools is also impacting administrators negatively due to legislature putting so much pressure on the teachers and students. This has caused teachers to teach to the test instead of teaching the set curriculum. Bessent stated “students are developing more test anxiety than ever before because they are so worried about passing the test to promote to the next grade (personal communication, September 14, 2020). Students and teachers are facing more anxiety due to required testing in schools and the school accountability ratings. The aspect of COIVD-19 also brings new anxiety and stress to the school year.

These best practices for testing in schools could create a more accurate outcome for testing and the results.

Best practices for testing in schools could include:

ensuring teachers are honest in administering the test

Training teachers and administrators on testing protocols and procedures for testing abnormalities.

Providing testing integrity for all students and staff.

An emerging issue in the area of testing in schools that educators should watch to see how it plays out is how COVID-19 and virtual learning affect testing procedures and administration of the tests. Due to the pandemic, schools and legislature have to decide if they are going to continue to have Student Success Initiative grades where students must pass to be promoted to the next grade level or if they will put an end to standardized testing in schools. Testing results are likely to be invalid this school year and the next few years due to students learning from home and not receiving normal instruction like they would in the classroom. Administrators and educators will be responsible for assessing students and determining current instructional levels during this school year. This issue could impact the work of administrators in that they will have a more intense job of identifying struggling students and developing interventions for the gaps. School districts report cards will also be invalid because there will not be a continuation of the results from last school year. Will schools be able to rise to the challenge of testing after students have been home for three months, or will testing in schools be eliminated altogether?

Lisa Bessent, Elementary Principal, Wylie ISD, https://www.wyliebulldogs.org/domain/140

# data[].attributes.body
National Education Association

Reference: Association, N. (2020, June 23). ESSA and Testing. Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.nea.org/resource-library/essa-and-testing

Link: https://www.nea.org/resource-library/essa-and-testing

Summary: Every student Succeeds Act is working to reduce standardized testing and the stress that it puts on teachers, students, and administration. Seven states are piloting new assessments that target learning taking place in classrooms instead of teachers teaching to the tests. Along with the controversy of testing, parents need to be informed of their opt-out option for standardized testing. By directing assessments in the direction of summative student knowledge, teachers and students will benefit from the data gathered.

# data[].attributes.body
Will COVID-19 Trigger Shift From Standardized Assessments?
Reference:

Modan, N. (2020, August 27). Fast Forward: Will COVID-19 trigger shift from standardized assessments? Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://www.educationdive.com/news/fast-forward-will-covid-19-trigger-shift-from-standardized-assessments/583907/

Link:

https://www.educationdive.com/news/fast-forward-will-covid-19-trigger-shift-from-standardized-assessments/583907/

Summary:

Many educators are beginning to question the necessity of standardized testing prior to virtual learning due to COVID-19.

Colleges are reducing their entrance requirements for incoming freshmen because of the pandemic.

Law makers are questioning the need for standardized testing and the need to shift to formative and summative assessments.

Assessment changes were seen during the shift from No Child Left Behind to Every Child Succeeds Act, so educators are hopeful more changes will be seen during the reauthorization of Every Child Succeeds Act in 2021.

Students can be academically successful for the whole school year, but the stress of standardized testing causes them to fail the once a year standardized assessment, especially after months of virtual learning.

Benefits and consequences of standardized testing are endless, but the data gained from assessments assists in driving instruction, especially after students have been learning from home.

# data[].attributes.body
The Value of Assessment in an uncertain School Year
Reference:

Modan, N. (2020, August 12). The value of assessment in an uncertain school year. Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://www.educationdive.com/news/accelerate-dont-remediate-the-value-of-assessment-in-an-uncertain-school/583230/

Link:

https://www.educationdive.com/news/accelerate-dont-remediate-the-value-of-assessment-in-an-uncertain-school/583230/

Summary:

Educational organizations believe testing should continue as normal for the 2020-2021 school year, although students have been virtually learning since March. They believe the testing data will help identify academic gaps.

Testing should be tied to curriculum and standards of where students are beginning instruction for this school year, but should not carry as much weight as previous years.

Testing should not be given until later in the school year.

Assessments will give a baseline idea of skills students have or have lost.

Schools need to keep expectations and standards high this year, in order to push students towards academic success, and not lower the standards due to students lacking prior year knowledge.

Working to keep students and teachers from feeling “defeated” before the school year begins.

# data[].attributes.headline
6. Original Source of State/Federal Law 

# data[].attributes.subject
6. Original Source of State/Federal Law 

# data[].attributes.body
Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015

Source of Law: Federal Statute

Citation: Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, 20 USC § 6301

Link: https://www.congress.gov/114/plaws/publ95/PLAW-114publ95.pdf

Summary:

Replaced No Child Left Behind Act of 2002

Requires more comprehensive testing for students and accountability for schools

Utilizes testing data for driving instruction for students

Creates improvement plans for underperforming school districts

Gives more resources to special education students and English Language Learners

Hold schools accountable for student performance

Students must take assessments in order to track academic growth.

# data[].attributes.headline
7. Original Source of State/ Federal Law 

# data[].attributes.subject
7. Original Source of State/ Federal Law 

# data[].attributes.body
Texas Education Code: Public School System Accountability

Source of Law: State Statute

Citation: Public School System Accountability, 39 Tex. Educ. Code § 39

Link: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.39.htm

Summary:

The state will create and implement assessments to determine level of knowledge and skills.

Criterion-referenced tests will be given in the areas of reading, math, science, and social studies.

All assessments will be accurate and reliable.

Alternative assessments will be given to special education students.

End of course assessments will be administered in high school.

Yearly testing in schools assists in school accountability.

# data[].attributes.headline
8. Original Source of State/ Federal Law

# data[].attributes.subject
8. Original Source of State/ Federal Law

# data[].attributes.body
Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Source of Law: Constitutional Law

Citation: U.S. Const. amend. XIV

Link: https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/amendmentxiv

Summary:

Students have equal protection under the law.

All students have the right to equal assessments and testing in schools.

Students have the right to inclusive classrooms with their peers.

# data[].attributes.body
GI Forum v. Texas Education Agency

Source of Law: Judicial Law

Citation: GI Forum v. Texas Education Agency (2000)

Link: https://casetext.com/case/gi-forum-v-texas-education-agency-wdtex-2000

Summary:

Question of Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TASS) violating students due process rights.

Court ruled it did not violate any student rights.

Assessment fairly assesses knowledge and skills of students.

# data[].attributes.body
Abilene Independent School District School Board Policy

Citation: Abilene Independent School District (July, 2020) Employee Handbook. Equal Educational Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.abileneisd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Abilene-ISD-2020-2021-Employee-Handbook-1.pdf

Link: https://www.abileneisd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Abilene-ISD-2020-2021-Employee-Handbook-1.pdf

Summary:  As stated in the school board policy, Abilene ISD will adhere to all standardized testing requirements. The district will train teachers on the protocol of administering a test and will ensure all testing validity.

# data[].attributes.body
Educators' Code of Ethics Standard 1.7
Ethical Standard: Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other state and federal laws.

Reference: Educators’ Code of Ethics, 19 Tex. Admin. Code § 247

Link: https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=4&ti=19&pt=7&ch=247&rl=Y

Summary: This standard connects to a dilemma that could arise for  standardized testing in schools because educators must comply with all laws. Many educators and administrators may not agree with standardized assessments and the intensity, but as an educator, the code must be followed. Educators and administrators could face consequences if this code were not followed.

# data[].attributes.body
When looking at best practices for required testing in schools, there are many details to consider. Teachers, administrators, and parents must be informed on the requirements of standardized tests, the importance of the test, and the consequences of opting out of tests. Failure to inform educators or administrators of their duties during testing could result in legal consequences. School staff should also be trained and prepared to administer standardized tests to students. This ensure valid results and accurate data. Best practices for required testing in schools could include:

Ensure students have been taught the content and not just the testing information requirements. This is important because students need to be taught all curriculum content, not just the high points of the test.

Prevent testing irregularities by keeping all testing information confidential. When administering a standardized test, educators and administrators must keep all tests private and protected. This will ensure that testing data is valid and accurate.

Train and certify all testing administrators to ensure a valid test. Teachers and any staff member proctoring a test should be trained each year and held under oath to honest test administration. This keeps teachers and administrators in compliance with state testing regulations.

Create testing policies and procedures for tests administration and testing irregularities. This assists educators and administrators on steps they should take if they suspect cheating, or if testing irregularities occur. By creating testing policies and procedures, school staff have a better understanding of what is expected of them and how to handle situations should they arise.

Administrators should plan a family night that allows questions and answers for parents and student about testing. This helps to reduce testing anxiety for families, as well as a time to explain the legal requirements and reasoning for standardized testing. By explaining the reasoning behind testing, parents are more understanding and supportive of testing procedures.

Educators and administrators should adhere to all Educators’ Code of Ethics regarding testing as well as the Code of Professional Responsibilities in Educational Measurement. As educational professionals, the expectation is that all required standardized tests will be given with honestly and integrity. Educators or administrators who fail to adhere to Educators' Code of Ethics could face legal consequences.

Testing environment should be quiet and conducive to learning. Educators and administrators should give clear and concise directions about the standardized testing, and help to reduce any fear or anxiety that students may display.

US Department of Education. (2013). Testing Integrity Symposium: Issues for Best Practices. Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2013/2013454.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
Opting Out of Standardized Tests

Reference: Opting Out of Standardized Tests. (2019, November). Retrieved September 21, 2020, from https://www.tasb.org/services/legal-services/tasb-school-law-esource/instruction/documents/opt_out_standardized_tests.pdf

Link: https://www.tasb.org/services/legal-services/tasb-school-law-esource/instruction/documents/opt_out_standardized_tests.pdf

Summary: Standardized testing has created stress for students, teachers, and school districts as their evaluations are tied into student results. The stress standardized testing causes for some students has caused parents to opt out of testing. While parents have the decided to opt out, the decision comes with consequences.  Standardized testing is required as stated in Texas Education Code section 26. Students could face the consequences of opting out of standardized testing when it comes to advancing to the next grade or even graduating. Schools districts and administrators must make the decision on how they plan to handle these cases of students opting out of standardized testing.