A student practices for the PARCC standardized test. (Denver Post file)
Supporters of the PARCC standardized test say that it effectively measures children’s “college and career readiness.” Detractors say it is poorly written, developmentally inappropriate, intentionally confusing and irrelevant to the actual work done in college and life. Before we spend another dollar of taxpayer money or minute of classroom time, shouldn’t we have objective proof who’s right? Why not allow the PARCC to be examined by an expert group of educators, child psychologists and pediatric neurologists (no testing consultants, politicians or administrators, please) who can certify that the test is appropriate for the ages it is given and that it measures relevant skills in appropriate ways? Why shouldn’t this test, which determines so much for so many, be held to the same level of accountability that we demand of our teachers and schools?
Eve Cohen, Denver
This letter was published in the May 7 edition.
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