More on the Spring '09 Math Results

A Queens Math teacher writes:


In regards to the article, I agree that the test has gotten somewhat easier, but I also believe that we have clear standards that we are assessing our students with. Our pacing calendars and curriculum is guided towards what the exam is testing on, therefore we are seeing significant gains. I also think that if the state were to make the test more difficult, we would adjust as necessary


A Brooklyn educator responds:

From my vantage point, teaching to the test has been going on forever. Anybody who denies this is kidding themselves or from another planet. The danger is that no test encompasses all that could be tested. I think that Merryl Tisch's comment "only a limited number of math skills are tested is a substantial and important finding" that "we need to fix" is critical. If a school is smart it will do what we did at our school, that is develop a curriculum and scope & sequence that covers all of the possible test items with emphasis on those areas most expected to be tested.