Last month Common Core attended the AFT QuEST Conference and spoke with lots of teachers about their experiences in the classroom. An overwhelming majority stated that they, themselves, have had to cut back on teaching subjects and/or topics that are not tested or they have heard about it happening in their schools. Here are a few of the comments we heard:
- One Illinois teacher stated that if students didn’t score well the previous year, they are pulled from their social studies and science courses to review math and reading skills.
- A second grade teacher from New York reported that she has not been able to teach much social studies and science because they must ensure they are ready for the 3rd grade math and ELA tests.
- An art teacher in Georgia was told he has no budget for next year for art supplies, but he does have 500 students.
For their recent report on Federal and State accountability in Washington State, the Center on Education Policy interviewed a number of teachers who corroborate stories of curriculum narrowing as a result of test-driven accountability. Teachers indicated that because of time needed to prepare for tests, there was less time for non-tested subjects or activities. Further, some also noted that they were unable to teach much more than the topics within their subjects that would be tested.
It is clear that students are missing out on a well-rounded education. Can’t we make sure that students receive an education that encompasses the full range of liberal arts and sciences without testing every subject?