'Data Wall' Controversy Heating Up: Public Posting of Student Test Scores Stirs Debate

Last month, Patch reported on concerns raised both by parents and school committee members over the public posting of student’s standardized test scores in Somerville schools (read story ). Since then, the debate has widened, with parents posting their concerns online at Somerville-4-Schools. Alain Jehlen has posted an informative summary of parent comments on SomervilleVoices.org. 

"I hate the data walls. I think they would have about the same effect as encouraging weight loss by posting everyone's weight without their permission,” posted one parent.

The School Committee addresses the issue again tonight.

Here are a few more viewpoints from Somerville-4-Schools:

• "I'm really ambivalent. I understand that the school is basing them on research that shows it is good for the child to illustrate their progress over the year. On the one hand, I find it hard to believe that there is not a high risk of kids comparing themselves, even though their names are not on them. I think kids figure this stuff out, and if someone did not do well, it could generate self-esteem issues." 
• "Beyond the discussion of testing and whether or not standardized tests are even a valid measure of a student's capability and understanding (because I agree that in many cases they are not), central administration shouldn't be mandating something so potentially damaging when it lacks the ability and/or attention to detail to provide appropriate oversight.”
• "The Times had a very depressing article on the topic of testing destroying kids' ability and motivation to learn the skills we really want to teach—not the ones that are easy to measure": "Does college make you smarter?”

Background:

Under the guidance of the education consulting group, Focus on Results, Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi and other school officials last year directed grade 2 through 8 teachers to mount graphs, or “data walls” in and outside their classrooms. The graphs show any progress in students’ Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores. Students take MAP online three times a year to measure their proficiency in reading and math.