I am a fifth-grade student who recently completed the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers test. I have taken this test since I was in third grade, and I feel that it is unnecessary and unfair to students and teachers across the country.
I believe, despite politicians, test designers and experts, that this test is completely inaccurate and erroneous. It cannot possibly measure our knowledge or predict where students will be in 20 years. Each individual learns at their own pace; PARCC cannot anticipate when a student learns. Students decide how much they learn, who they learn it from and when they learn. The government should not decide that.
I feel PARCC should not be considered part of the educational system because as a test it is unfair and unjust. It is biased against disabled and mentally or physically handicapped children. We should be focusing more on testing that doesn't challenge the abilities of a student, but gives the student opportunities to complete the test as they wish. No matter how ill or disabled a child may be, he or she is required to complete the test within the time given, which could be a major struggle for some children.
The test is a waste of instructional time. We are required to complete at least two sessions of testing a year, each lasting as long as 90 minutes. The test not only takes the time away from students, but also complicates the responsibilities for a teacher, whose job isn't to give tests but to educate students.
Finally, the test is second rate in terms of quality. It has various grammatical errors, unclear questions and poor test design. The content was unfamiliar as well.
I appreciate the effort the PARCC administration puts into the test each year, and the efforts of teachers and staff that cooperate. But I do not feel this test is necessary today
Claire Doran, Linthicum