Luke Rapley
EDAP 7802 (2nd hour – Saturday)
Dr. Bill Kruskamp
Testing Committee
In education today, there are numerous tests that students must take each year. At the high school level, some of these tests must be passed in order to graduate from high school. There not any students (at the high school level) who go the entire year without sitting for at least one of these mandated tests. Because students spend an exorbitant amount of time sitting for tests, my school created a testing committee. The main purpose of this committee is to determine the most efficient method to administer each test throughout the school year. I was asked to be a member of this committee because I have voiced my opinion in the past about the inefficiency of the testing process. The committee consists of an AP (in charge of testing), myself and 3 or 4 other teachers. During our meetings, I am usually the only one that offers an opinion. The other members listen to how the AP wants to do things and simple just nod their heads in agreement. I listen to the complaints of my colleagues and bring these complaints to the table during our meetings. During our meetings, we discuss the upcoming test(s) and the number of students that will be testing. From this information, we determine where in the school the students will test, who will administer the test(s) and whether or not we will need to go on block scheduling for the test. This was the first year for the testing committee. Through the collaboration of the committee, we were able to make the testing process this school year considerably more efficient. Teacher reaction to the testing methods this school year have made much fewer teachers dissatisfied with the testing process. Also, the AP has felt considerable less stress this school year because the testing process has run more efficiently. This committee has shown me first hand the importance of an administrator realizing there is a problem and asking the staff for help (because the issue affects the staff more than any other group at the school).