Standardize testing

It is that time again, state testing. I hate this time of year because emotions are high and the stress levels are through the rough. Teachers are panicking because of the standardize test. What exactly does it prove? Does it really effectively show what the teachers taught the whole school year? My opinion is just that; my opinion. As a public school educator, I do not think that the standardize test properly asset the students. Sometimes the learning experience is in not in the textbook. However, I grasp the reasoning behind the test. In order to become a certified teacher; the person has to pass a certification test by the state. The same goes for being a lawyer, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, firefighter, counselors, and real estate agent. These jobs require education and testing. But, are we doing right by our students? How can we fully ensure that we prepare our students for success without testing? Nonetheless, teachers get antsy, and nerve wrecking. The students are scared and ready for school to be over with. During this time, the students have checked out. Summer is almost here and they are ready to get out! Still, giving these type of test is a headache. The people that make the test are just sitting down coming up with these out outrageous passages to read, and questions to follow. Are they educators? Did the make-up the test just for laughs? It is so frustrating because teachers evaluations are based on the growth of the students. Is that really fair? I know excellent teachers. Teachers that have taught me major things and help me grow but, their students do not perform well on test. Hell, I know for a fact that I get test anxiety. I hate testing. I know it is needed to a point but, still something doesn’t feel right about it. This is just rambling from a new teacher with end of the year frustration.