Hillcocks presents a rant on the many murky features of "standardized tests" around the U.S. Overall, his argument is that there is a huge disconnect between the pedagogical theory being taught in the classroom with what is being expected on "these tests." Teachers are speaking a different language, using different processes, and coming to the classrooms with different assumptions about demonstrating knowledge.
Hillcocks especially argues that the constructed response required on a standardized test forces a student to abandon the framework of understanding taught by her or his teachers. There's only so much time to write. A student cannot go through a meaningful process of learning in writing without time to reflect, revise, and confer. I agree that there are some policy decisions that need to be addressed, but critical eyes are always on the other side.
Here's a question we need to consider: Who's making the decisions in Lansing? Educators fight back in various forms. Hillcocks is challenging people to stop quaking in their books and speak out about concerns. There is a vital piece missing to his arguement, in my opinion, and that is the solution to these problems. If teachers want to be a voice for reform, there needs to be solutions that can start conversations. Overall, I agree with the problems presented, but what is he proposing we do about these challenges?
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