Venting about PSSA's

It is my least favorite time of year "PSSA's". I am not going to say that standardized tests are a complete waste, but here is something I don't understand. Students whom have IEPs and you make the state and everyone aware through testing and documentation that the student is not performing on grade level. Why require that student to be stressed over a test that isn't appropriate?

If my student gets more than half of the Multiple choice test answers correct, I can only say "they had a lucky day". If they don't do well, I would then respond "what do you expect?".

Watching a student cry because they don't understand what they are reading and being frustrated because the test is way above their level. I have to sit there and say it is a waste of paper for the state, and unnecessary. It actually takes the student away from a good educational experience because instead of working on his educational needs we have to have them sit and endure a test that means nothing.

I've heard that they are creating another standardized tests for students whom are border PASA and PSSA's. It will be interesting to see what this test would be like.

Testing is almost over. Only two more days, and then I will have two taking the science exams the following month. Another waste of time, but unfortunately, one that can't be avoided.

I wish I didn't have to be the one administering the test because it is painful to watch the whole experience. I would be all for standardized testing if the information gave any kind of useful information. Information that says my students are not on grade level is no useful information, since we knew that prior to going into testing. It doesn't reveal anything to the parents, to the state, or to the teacher.

One could only wish parents would stand up and say "How ridiculous is this?". "Why make my child suffer when you know that they can't do the test? Why allow my child to be emotionally distraught to complete something they don't understand?" Isn't this a waste of tax dollar's money.

Sorry about venting about standardized testing, but I needed to vent.