Mark S. Weprin, Council Member
I have not lost much sleep over the news that fewer New York City public school students, based on their test results, met state standards this year. As a parent, I care deeply about how our children are performing in school, but I do not worry much about scores on high-stakes tests.
Up or down, above or below any particular proficiency cutoff, the test scores fail to indicate what parents really care about: Is my child learning? Instead, they are likely to reflect the rampant use of test-preparation drills that keep scores high but rob students of the opportunity for real learning.
What DOE fails to report is the high cost associated with keeping the test scores at a level they can continue to brag about. How many students do not know basic geography? How many missed out on science experiments, field trips, music, dance, art, and public speaking in favor of a focus on the narrow range of material that appears on state tests?
DOE should double down on enhancing the education that today’s students need to truly succeed. Regardless of the latest test results, the real news is that schools are testing more but students are learning less.
Mark S. Weprin, Council Member
Mark S. Weprin represents the 23rd Council District in Eastern Queens.
