Common Core tests better but still fall short

After having taught 11th grade English years before high stakes standardized tests became the sole measure of student learning, I couldn't resist comparing a now defunct STAR Program sample test with a sample taken from the Common Core State Standards test required of all California students beginning next year.

The sample test questions can be found on the California Department of Education website. Here's the link to the Grade 11 English Language Arts California Standards Test: http://tinyurl.com/6v9q82g. Click here, http://tinyurl.com/msjnbbe, for a sample of a Common Core Standards Assessment, same subject, same grade level.

The California Standards Test is the same paper-and-pencil, fill-in-the-bubble, multiple choice exam used since standardized tests were invented. The computerized CCSS Assessment, on the other hand, gives students a greater variety of ways to demonstrate what they've learned, including written responses to questions and opportunities to demonstrate writing skills by re-writing faulty sentences and composing original essays.

The following examples show the difference between the two.

The CST sample test question uses an excerpt from an essay titled "Scholarship Scam Target of New Legislation" to quiz the test taker.

"Read this sentence from paragraph 1 of the document".

'These words may have started out as music to the ears but have ended on a sour note to the tune of $5 million a year in losses to scholarship scam artists.'

"Which statement best describes how the author uses rhetorical technique in this sentence?

A. Understatement is used to introduce the topic

with a sarcastic tone.

B. Figurative language is used to intensify the

impact of the statement.

C. Word repetition is used to emphasize the

importance of the subject of the document.

D. Allusion is used to address the  topic of the document on a historical level."

This is simply a vocabulary test. Memorizing the meaning of "rhetorical," "figurative,""understatement," "repetition," and "allusion" will lead the test taker to the correct answer.      

The CCSS sample test uses an essay titled, "The Science of Meditation," as a basis for responses from the test taker.

"Read this conclusion about the text and the directions that follow.

'The more someone meditates, the easier it is to alter their brain waves.'

"Click on the sentence from the text that BEST supports the conclusion."

(Seven optional sentences follow.)

"There are physical health benefits associated with meditation. Using at least TWO DETAILS from the text, support this conclusion. Type your answer in the space provided."

(Written response required.)

"Choose two statements that, if true, would MOST directly challenge the author's premise."

(Four options.)"

Other questions require re-writing an error-filled paragraph and responding in writing to a short audio lecture the test taker hear through earphones.

Each page of questions contains three icons at the top, offering test takers options for a "Tutorial" on how to use the computer keys to answer the question, "Mark for Review" to signal they are unsure of their answer, and a "Notepad" popup window for note taking and drafts of written responses.

Before submitting the test for scoring the test taker is encouraged to review answers with a few easy mouse clicks to previous questions.

Mastering the learning curve for operating a computer-based test may be easier for tech-savvy students than teachers. But there's little doubt it will provide far more feedback about student learning. Comparison of results for schools and teachers will also be easier, once again raising the issue of whether teachers alone can be held responsible for low student performance.

While the Common Core Standards Assessment is superior to a paper-and-pencil test, it's still a high stakes test that will strike fear into the hearts of those with learning disabilities and test anxiety. The problem with placing such importance on tests is the lack of evidence they lead to a "guarantee that our students flourish in life as enthusiastic, confident learners," a promise made in the Carlsbad School District's mission statement. I've never heard anyone who's flourished in life list standardized tests as one of the keys to their success.