They’re at it again.

Thursday, March 08, 2001

They’re at it again.

Lawmakers continue to tweak a bill that would reconstruct Ohio’s proficiency tests. The latest fine-tuning would delay by two years the introduction of the 10th grade proficiency test. As expected, educators are protesting the bill, which would add yet another test for students to pass in order to graduate.

Since its inception, the proficiency test program has been a thorn in the side of teachers. Many complain they are being forced to gear their lesson plans toward proficiency tests – taking away their ability to be creative in their educating. Some feel the tests show bias toward certain regions of the state.

It is becoming more and more evident the state needs to either improve proficiency testing or do away with it. Since it is unlikely the testing will be abolished, the state should consider preparatory instruction on the tests before students’ academic progress is measured.

The students are well aware they need to pass all parts of the proficiency test in order to graduate. They do not deserve to be subjected to this kind of stress.