Been doing some ciphering as to the number of state or national tests New Jersey kids starting kindergarten next year will be taking through their school careers:
- Four PARCC tests a year grades two through 12=44
- Under the NJ Model Curriculum, five assessments a year, K-12 in English=65
- Under the NJ Model Curriculum, five assessments a year, K-11 in Math=60
- (Coming Soon) Under the NJ Model Curriculum, five assessments a year, K-12 in Social Studies=65
- (Coming Soon) Under the NJ Model Curriculum, five assessments a year, K-12 in Science=65
- Yet to be determined K-12 assessments in Visual and Performing Arts, World Languages, PE/Health under the NJ Model Curriculum=??????????
Total known state and national tests in 12 years of school: 299
Really.
Some questions come to mind:
- Does anyone think this is good for kids?
- Does anyone not think this will increase focus on test prep?
- Does anyone not think this will decrease a teacher’s ability to provide rich learning experiences for kids?
- Do the standards and model curriculum attempt to prepare kids for the “new normal” of the world as it is?
- Who are these people?
That’s just a start.
Yours?
UPDATE: I realized I was a bit off on the number. Really it’s at least 214. Social Studies and Science will only be tested during high school according to the NJ Model Curriculum. Still…