Thread: Teacher accountability

I think those who create the tests should be held accountable. They should be required to demonstrate that all those costly and time-consuming tests actually do show how well students have learned the content and skills that will help them succeed in life after school.

I think those who require the tests should be held accountable. They should be required to demonstrate that the testing helps students better learn the content and skills that will help them succeed in life after school.

If they do that, I can't imagine any reason not to be behind the testing craze. However, I really don't expect that to happen.

In my opinion, there is a huge problem with holding teachers accountable for test scores. There are a number of issues that need to be looked at. Naturally if teachers are assessed by how their students perform in a standardized test they will put the blinkers on and just teach to the test.

Firstly, what real world benefit is it for students to be taught to the test?
I don't think in these economic times that students should be evaluated by a memory test. Instead their creativity needs to be fostered and encouraged.

I would also be worried about teachers pay based on standard test performance. This would further reduce the standard of education in disadvantaged areas with all the best teachers going to schools in "better areas" were students can prepare better for drill and practice tests due to a more education focused home life.

I think students and parents along with colleges and universities (who are next on the education supply chain) should have a say on how teachers are assessed.

Standardized Tests. Now there's an oxymoron. At one time my east coast school system administered the CAT (California Achievement Tests) to all students. Only problem was, our mountain children did not learn in the same fashion and were not taught in the same manner as California kids. Needless to say, my state scored poorly. The powers that be finally decided that this CAT test did not accurately measure our children's knowledge and it is no longer used.

I definitely agree that teachers should be under some system of accountability. Since they are mostly unsupervised when it comes to their children, it's very important to ensure that they are following through with delivering a quality education.

I don't have a problem with holding teachers accountable, but standardized tests aren't the way to do it. There are too many factors outside the teacher's control to make standardized tests a useful tool.

I also don't have a problem with teachers being held accountable. However, standardized tests scores are not an accurate measure of student or teacher performance. As long as we are on the subject of accountability what about the parents? Parents should be doing their part and involving themselves in the education process too.

Exactly Carolynn! I do not mind being held accountable at all, but what about the parents and the students too? I also agree with you sentiments on standardized testing.

I don't have any problem with teacher's being held accountable, but I also agree with the last few posts about how important it is for parents and students to be held accountable to some degree as well. No one can just hand you knowledge you must work to retain and apply it.