Watch: 4th-Grader Schools Board on Standardized Testing

Check out the video at the bottom of this post.

As school districts across Florida and most of the nation wrap up the year by rolling out high stakes standardized tests that can make or break a students’ chances for promotion to the next grade, one little voice is standing out in the growing crowd of vocal opponents.

That voice belongs to Brooksville Elementary School fourth-grader Sydney Smoot.

Smoot, 9, took it upon herself last week to address the Hernando County School Board about her district’s recent administration of the new Florida Standards Assessments, which will eventually replace the FCATs in Sunshine State public schools. This test, like its predecessor, is a make-or-break proposition for passing a grade in some cases and carries the weight of its results serving as a marker for the quality of education provided at individual schools.

The gravity granted this single test is too much, Smoot told board members.

“This testing looks at me as a number,” the spunky girl explained in addressing the board. “The stress and pressure this test puts on me and I’m sure most students is not healthy.”

See Also:

• State Needs to ‘Step Back’ on New Assessments, Pasco Superintendent Says
• Pasco Reporting Problems with Florida Standards Assessment Testing

Smoot went on to raise objections to the practice of teaching to a test and eliminating “fun” activities at schools, such as recess, to cram in extra lessons in hopes that students will make the grade. She also raised questions about a form students were made to sign forbidding them from discussing the FSA tests with anyone – including their parents.

“I have the right to talk to my parents about anything and everything to do with my education,” she asserted.

Smoot’s objections were raised as FSA tests in reading and math are being administered in classrooms across the state. This newcomer to Florida’s standardized testing lineup has been at the center of controversy with individual school districts also raising concerns.

Pasco County School Superintendent Kurt Browning in February urged the state’s Department of Education to “step back” on the new assessments.

“I am concerned that Florida is moving too quickly to implement the new assessments without knowing whether they are valid, reliable, and fair,” Browning cautioned. “I fear that teachers haven’t had the time they need to adjust to the new standards and integrate them into their lesson plans.”

Browning also raised concerns about the technology infrastructure related to the new FSA exams – many of which are offered only online.

Some of Browning’s fears were realized when schools across the state reported problems with accessing the online tests. In some cases, testing had to be delayed due to connectivity issues and some students losing their work.

Lawmakers throughout Florida are wrestling with the issue of standardized testing, along with the introduction of new educational standards. While there is agreement that too many tests are being administered throughout the state, no real solution has been offered as of yet.

Smoot has one.

“In my opinion, we should take a test at the beginning of the year, middle and end of the school year to accurately measure what we know,” she said.

Smoot’s closing comments earned her a standing ovation from those gathered for the board meeting.

“I urge you to put a stop to high stakes testing today,” she said. “Put a stop to all this standardized testing.”

What are your thoughts on standardized testing? Share them by commenting below!

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