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Deanie Wimmer ReportingAre Utah students tested to death? That's a question educators are considering in light of complaints from parents and lawmakers. The state added up how many hours students spend filling in bubble sheets and answering essay questions. They want to make sure testing isn't taking a toll on learning.
Samantha Jensen, Student: “Like, almost every single class period we have a test.”
Sharpen your #2 pencil, state-mandated tests have increased in this era of accountability and no child left behind.
Annie Cobabe, Student: "I know they're important, but it just seems like there are so many, that the importance to students isn't as high as it should be."
Students feel the pressure, so do educators, as they struggle to balance teaching and test prep.
Paul Shulte, Principal: “It’s a greater demand on teachers now than ever before.”
There's been so much outcry, members of the State Board of Education requested the numbers. High school juniors, for example, have up to 19 hours of state-mandated testing. That may not sound like a lot, but add in district testing and tests from individual teachers, it equals students who feel tested to death.
Ellen Larson, Student: “I think it affects the rest of your classes.”
Board members and teachers recognize the importance of tests to make sure students are learning what they should.
Paul Shulte, Principal: “That information is used by us as educators and as a school to make sure we're meeting the needs of students.”
Marcus Otoa, Student: “I think a lot of them are just to scare a lot of the kids, but they really do help you.”
And clearly the hours are adding up, but education leaders aren't sure how much is too much. Tests are also expensive; the state spent more than 15-million dollars last year just on testing. To see the hours for kids in all grades, even down to kindergarten, check out Friday’s Deseret Morning News.
