My recollection of when we annually took the Iowa State Development tests is that they were given at the beginning of the school year, perhaps in the second week. There was no preparing for the tests, and they were not the focus of the classroom. If retention of the prior years’ learning was lacking, the value of the prior schooling could reasonably be questioned. During those years children were far less bombarded from all directions by marketing demands competing with teachers for attention, and the community was stable.
I understand that test scores reflect upon the school, administrators, teachers and community. Their wanting high scores is understood, but focusing on the scores versus on the learning is akin to adjusting a scale to provide the number desired. Yes, the student who has suffered a prolonged absence will most likely have lower scores in the absence of home schooling. However, one year’s scores tells you that there is work to be done. A valid measure of a school isn’t based upon a single period.
The best schools are the result of a supporting community, and that reflects on the community’s leadership.
