STAFF EDITORIAL
Most of you are probably aware of the new state-mandated tests that will be in effect at Northwood in the spring semester. These Common Exams and are going to be used to make sure that students are learning the core curriculum material. In the spring, schools will give Common Exams for all core classes, and then spread to all classes at a later time. We believe these exams will do a lot more harm than good.
With state exams, Northwood’s current exam exemption policy will no longer apply. While the school is still trying to come up with a solution, the fact is that for some students, the exemption policy is the only reason they do not take off those extra “sick days” throughout the year. While it is true that coming to school and learning is a privilege in itself, it is good to have an incentive at the end of the semester for coming to school and maintaining good grades.
Also, it is no secret that the economy is struggling, and education funding is not at its best right now. Creating, distributing and scoring all these tests is expensive. Are tests the best use of limited resources? If these exams do not work out, then it is just wasted money that could have gone to something more productive and beneficial to students.
These tests are supposed to have a writing component in them. While writing is an important form of communication, it may not be the best showcase of knowledge for some students. The writing component on the tests will have to be graded as well. The multiple-choice part of the test will be electronically scored, but the question is: who is going to grade the writing part? All people perceive writing differently; therefore, while one person may think that a student’s writing is good, another person may not agree. It all depends on who is grading the paper. The people and machinery to grade these tests are not going to be cheap and will add on to the expenses. If teachers score the tests to allow for a quick grading turnaround, will this not lead to the temptation to cheat?
The concern that most teachers have with these tests is that it may have an impact on their pay. We all know there are students who come to class and use the desk as a pillow, so for these tests to be a basis for a teacher’s pay is not fair. In addition, with pay linked to test scores, teachers will be more inclined to only teach to a test.
Finally, some students are not good test takers, and these tests will account for 25 percent of the student’s final grades. This could affect a student’s GPA negatively, which is a major concern considering the weight colleges give to transcripts.
If our exam policy is working fine now and is helping with attendance, then why change it to something costly that could influence attendance negatively? The current exams give students a reason to get good grades and come to school. This new plan by the state hinders Northwood’s ability to create a plan that works best for its own students.