Testing Poses Challenge

A confounding new series of test results showed up in Washington state schools this week. It appears that fourth-graders are making progress on new state assessment tests while seventh-graders are floundering.

But there is hope lying hidden in those columns of test scores. This is the second year fourth-graders have taken this test. Already, their scores are beginning to improve. Seventh-graders took the test for the first time last spring. As teachers begin making adjustments, seventh-grade scores also are likely to rise.

The challenge for parents is to help their children do well on a type of test parents have never taken. Sample questions from these tests frequently leave parents scratching their heads.

The challenge for schools will be to help kids learn in ways that will be reflected in the state test results. At the same time, administrators also might give some thought to prepping parents. After all, it’s parents who must step in when kids are confused by their school work.

Think of it as synergy. By working together, rather than bickering over test results, parents and teachers are much more likely to raise the achievements of all kids.