Having taught middle school and high school in Worthington 40+ years…I have much to say about this. Briefly, the Ohio tests get far too much emphasis and critical thinking is not part of that movement. Anyone who has raised children knows they learn at different rates and in different ways. Have all of your kids talked and walked at the same month, date, year? Yet we give tests in March, with one fourth of the curriculum not yet taught, and assume each student in that time and place is equal in their readiness on these tests. I have administered the social studies test. I will just summarize by saying these assumptions and predominantly fact-based tests do nothing to promote critical thinkers. Yet teachers are pressured to prepare students for this banal exercise mandated by the Ohio legislators. First, I challenge each of them to take these tests. Publish each score. No prep, no clues. Teachers who break the seal of the delivered tests lose their job and license if not done so in accordance to the test regulations. Secondly, my opinion not fact, powers that be do not WANT students questioning and thinking critically. Accept, comply, do what you are told, puke back facts, do not question. That is the standard. Now, we are additionally subjected to attacks, I just had another a month ago, “Why are you teachers grooming kids for pedophiles?” Make of this what you wish but I am in the trenches, not outside guessing.
Critical thinking ought to be understood to be the core of education and educating.
Having taught middle school and high school in Worthington 40+ years…I have much to say about this. Briefly, the Ohio tests get far too much emphasis and critical thinking is not part of that movement. Anyone who has raised children knows they learn at different rates and in different ways. Have all of your kids talked and walked at the same month, date, year? Yet we give tests in March, with one fourth of the curriculum not yet taught, and assume each student in that time and place is equal in their readiness on these tests. I have administered the social studies test. I will just summarize by saying these assumptions and predominantly fact-based tests do nothing to promote critical thinkers. Yet teachers are pressured to prepare students for this banal exercise mandated by the Ohio legislators. First, I challenge each of them to take these tests. Publish each score. No prep, no clues. Teachers who break the seal of the delivered tests lose their job and license if not done so in accordance to the test regulations. Secondly, my opinion not fact, powers that be do not WANT students questioning and thinking critically. Accept, comply, do what you are told, puke back facts, do not question. That is the standard. Now, we are additionally subjected to attacks, I just had another a month ago, “Why are you teachers grooming kids for pedophiles?” Make of this what you wish but I am in the trenches, not outside guessing.