Puzzling Solutions to Test Results
I am slightly puzzled over the official reaction of Gilford’s NECAP test results. If I understand it correctly the conclusion is that our students are receiving a quality education, however, they’re simply disinterested in taking a silly test to prove it. This shouldn’t come as a complete surprise since our nation’s educators have been publicly waging a war against any kind of testing that measures learning progress (Do you think this might be the reason for the "culture" problem regarding testing?). Our education leaders propose the obvious solution. Prior to the testing our students participate in a “pep” rally. I must admit, I never would have thought of that.
On another front we have the results of the Gilford Youth Risk Behavior Survey showing that our children are increasing their engagement into risky behavior. This survey has been viewed as a serious cry from our children that they need help. Okay, so why aren’t the NECAP test results seen as a serious cry that our children’s education needs help? It makes me question the "pep" rally solution because if we are to believe the Youth Risk Behavior survey results, one could conclude that our students have got the “pep” rally part down.
