Ohio Schools Paying for Test Goofs

Link to Article:
Ohio Schools Paying for Test Goofs

While reading the article entitled, "Ohio Schools Paying for Test Goofs," I was totally shocked. My first thoughts were, This can not be serious. As a teacher, I am all for finding ways to balance the budget, but punishing schools for simple errors is ridiculous. With all the pressure to meet test scores who needs the added stress of being charged extra for material?

I remember during my first year of teaching, trying to administer a 4- day test to 20 Kindergarten students. It was chaos! First, I had to prepare the students mentally for the schedule of the test. (they were not happy to know that they would not have their regular schedule of playing and socializing). Then I had to inform them that they would be forced to sit in chairs for 45 minute blocks at a time. Finally, I had to bribe them into remaining quiet and focused while I READ every question ( about 120) aloud to the students.

In addition, I also had to walk around and ensure that all students answered the questions, didn't scribble on the pages, and circle dark enough. Oh, I almost forgot those precious students who missed a day of school during test week and now I had to RE-READ the questions to this student and repeat the process all over again. So imagine how relieved I felt when the test were collected and out of my hands.

The incidents that are listed in the article, seem to be errors from teachers. But please people, remember that we are human. We make mistakes. We try to be careful but things happen. And yes, I understand that test are sensitive items and there is a need for accountability but their has to be a cheaper way! I would suggest: Schools training teachers on testing procedures (I never received verbal training before administering any test) or make test computerized. Something, Anything because the paper test is costing too much money.