Wait till you hear how many kids have failed TCAP tests over the last decade -- suffice to say the test has been a problem for years. Coming tomorrow from @friedmanadam5 in @TNLookout.
@jhollymc @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout Why do you think this is?
@jhollymc @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout The problem is that you don’t fail a TCAP test. It’s not a test that is intended to be pass or fail. It is intended to inform teachers what skills a student lacks. It is not intended to be used for grade placement. It doesn’t determine a reading level. We are misusing this test.
@jhollymc @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout The TCAP tests were convoluted even when I was in school. Back then they were done by McGraw-Hill. Even the state mandated end of course exams for high school students is poorly written too. So yea the state administered tests have always sucked even back in my time in school.
@jhollymc @KnoxvilleSpeak @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout You can’t fail these tests. It’s a gauge to show where these students fall on the scale. They are ridiculous and should be stopped.
@jhollymc @AarronFleming @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout "Fail" is not a category for TCAP scores. And we should push back against that type of language, including "on grade level." Something that really needs to be talked about, though, are the cut scores for "On Track." See the linking study here: nwea.org/resources/tenn…
@jhollymc @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout This also brings up why TCAP scores are tied to school ratings AND teacher evaluations/tenure. TCAP has been used to vilify teachers and schools for “not doing their jobs” when in fact the test is not set to grade level reasoning. (1/2)
@jhollymc @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout Also, in years past teachers were asked to join committees around the TCAP diversity of questions, scoring, and overall test development. I have seen so such invitations for TN educators this year (I am one). I’m guessing Pearson is getting a nice pay check for all this!
@jhollymc @friedmanadam5 @TNLookout I really wanted to give the test to everyone in the state legislature to see how they would score 👀