Here’s an education Rorschach Test: Read this story from the San Francisco Chronicle about Oakland’s Monarch Academy, and watch this multimedia slide show.
Principal Tatiana Epanchin demands more testing than other schools do, believing it’s the key to success - a controversial view to some. They test during recess. They give practice tests. They hold pep rallies before tests. She uses the tests to frequently assess every child, determining who needs help. No child is left behind or left alone.
What do you see? A high-standards, no excuses elementary school that prizes excellence? Or something less than that?
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Mixed feelings here. This principal is clearly passionate and cheerful–and the kids seem cheerful too. I’m sure they benefit greatly from the program in some ways. There is also a healthy emphasis on specifics of knowledge–she knows which students can calculate volume, and so forth.
I am troubled by the emphasis on (and obsession with) the tests as ends in themselves. In a program like this, the curriculum is only as good as the tests themselves. I would have to see the tests themselves to have a fairer sense of what they are learning.
Also, I wouldn’t want to be at a school with that degree of “inspirational” chanting. Yes, it can have a great motivational affect. Yes, it can raise test scores. I still object to it.
My sentiments as well, Diana. It’s great to see the enthusiasm and passion, and somewhat dispiriting to see it so narrowly focused. I began my teaching as a strong testing advocate, but as time went on, I could no longer support the narrowing of the curriculum that was its unintended consequence. This is particularly the case in struggling schools, whose students can least afford it. Ultimately, I’m all for accountability, even aggressive accountability. But this isn’t getting us where we need to be.
Here’s my article of faith in a nutshell. In a high-stakes testing environment, it’s inevitable that the assessment will drive the curriculum. So we need to make sure that the end tacitly encourages the best possible process.