Teaching To the Test

Marie Braccia, the Stewart Elementary School principal, was the first person I ever heard say: In this school district we do not believe in teaching to the test.

It was one of the most ridiculous things I ever heard of. Because like it or not, the world operates on tests and test scores—especially the standardized ones.

Higher grades reap higher benefits.

And so one must prepare for all tests—by studying and practice.

The goal is to become a good test taker—which by definition means attaining a grade either commensurate or greater than one’s book knowledge.

It is precisely why my children’s free public school education cost me the equivalent of a year’s worth of tuition at a private secondary school. I hired tutors so my children could ace their exams.

And this maximized grade philosophy extends to the job market where employers impose an additional test--the personality test—to create more discernment. Prospective hires must score highly on a qualitative psychological quiz-fest with no correct answers-- only wrong ones. An outstanding transcript and resume from a quality university, experience in the field via meaningful internships and multiple interviews from a candidate is no longer enough.

One might be led to believe that this is a test that cannot be taught to—unless you google how to pass a personality test or hire an employment coach.

And the most recent occasion I heard the In this district we do not believe in teaching to the test was by the current Superintendent of Curriculum. But what I know for sure is that both the former and current administrations lied in this regard. If the school district really did not believe in teaching to the test there would be no AIS (academic intervention services) or extra help sessions or review classes for NY State Regents, APs or SATs. There would also not be entire Board of Education meetings dedicated to showcasing the district’s standardized test scores. Teachers would not gain or lose their reputation by how well their classes performed.

Because life is always about test scores---and those who practice and prepare. A’s are always better than B’s. And the correct answer to question #37 on the personality exam: You work hard because it pays off most definitely is: I strongly agree.