State Testing in the Land of NCLB

I don't like the fact that state tests have risen to such prominence in our country. I don't think that NCLB testing is producing the problem solvers and critical thinkers that our country needs.

We have to do NECAP testing in NH though so I suggest the following testing approach.

• Two testing days on consecutive days.
• Students taking the test have no other classes on those days. These days would be similar to exam days. The NECAP test is now more important to the school than mid-year exams so that should give us the latitude to do this.
• Testing begins at 9:30. Brain research tells us that this is a better time for 16 year old students than 7:45. Students are encouraged to sleep in and rest for testing. They are not to come early to school and they are not to go to their period 1 class.
• No homework can be assigned to these students during the two day testing window. They should not be doing other school work during this time. Again it is a special time akin to exam week.
• Administrators should clearly explain to all teachers why it is so important to make some changes to the NECAP testing conditions.
  
• Students should be told why the testing conditions have changed. The NECAP exams have become incredibly important and the testing days are going to reflect that. They are being given the days to focus exclusively on NECAP testing. They should use the time to rest and prepare mentally for the tests.

Some students will abuse the different structure of the two day testing period. Teachers will have arguments about loss of class time and class work. But we need to make sure that the school community not only understands the importance of these tests but makes some changes to reflect that importance.