Everyone is accountable for education

It’s that time of year — standardized testing.

This year I found myself biting my nails, anxious to see my scores. The superintendant promised 2 percent growth in students’ MAP (measured academic progress) scores from fall to spring. This is in addition to the SBA (Standards Based Achievement) scores that determine whether or not our school has made annual yearly progress.

As you can see, there are a lot of acronyms, numerous tests and high stakes. A lot rides on these numbers — potential funding, teacher placement and student academic placement.

I struggle with the emphasis put on these scores. On one hand, I believe they do tell me about my students; their learning, my teaching. On the other hand, I think there are so many variables outside of my control that aren’t taken into account. I wonder how someone can only examine the number without considering the motivation and home of the child. Scores represent more than just what happens in a classroom, they reflect the entire student.

For example, while recently administering the MAP test, I had numerous students finish in 20 minutes. Their scores dropped by 15 points. That’s a significant drop. Trying to motivate students to do well on tests, which are boring and not related to their lives or interests, is difficult. I bribe them with candy, we play games and watch movies in the afternoon so they don’t burn out. We stress the importance of these scores. Sometimes, it’s a losing battle. For many students, external motivations cannot be an indicator of success.

Nevertheless, I can see the effects of intrinsic motivation and hard work. I have quite a few students who raised their scores. These students came to school every day, turned in homework, sought help when stuck and took their time during the test. These students held themselves accountable. However, this is a trait that is internal and difficult to instill in students.

Ultimately, these numbers hold education — teachers and administrators — accountable. The scores hold me accountable to my principal and my community. In some states, these scores could determine my salary. I believe the scores should hold us all — that means you, too— accountable. We all share a vested interest in the education of our population, our future. When looking at scores, remember you are looking at the complex life of a child; a child we could all influence and motivate.

Brandy J. Bishop is a teacher at Houston Middle School.