SCTA Newsletter

The topic of standardized testing for students has been around the block of controversy many times. The idea that people are standardized is obviously flawed, yet we continue to use these tests as a reliable form of assessment. Testing our students is a familiar concept, but when does the testing stop?

The state of California, along with most other states requires teaching credential candidates to pass a series of standardized tests, namely the MSAT (multiple subject candidates) or the Praxis and the SSAT (single subject candidates), in order to attain even a preliminary teaching credential. These tests have become not only a source of frustration for teaching credential candidates, but the reason that so many teachers have resorted to teaching without credentials. For this, the education of our students will continue to suffer.

Why is it that there are foreign language teaching credential candidates, many of whom are native speakers who have attained a B.A. or higher, who are not able to pass the Praxis and Single Subject Assessment Test (SSAT) in their respective language areas? And why are candidates with degrees in Biology, Mathematics, Social Science, English and Art unable to pass these two tests, which are supposedly geared toward showing that they are proficient enough to teach middle and high school students? Do we have so little faith in our system of higher education that we must continually torment those who are willing to dedicate their lives to educating our youth?

Politicians and other NON-EDUCATORS stand up and talk freely about teacher accountability and how we need more credentialed teachers in the profession. However, the number of credentialed teachers will continue to falter as long as we sit idly by and allow this backward attempt of assessment to dictate the teaching profession. If testing is necessary, then at least let the tests be valid in assessing whether or not a candidate has a strong general knowledge in their subject area. The Praxis and the SSAT are set up for failure. California teaching credential candidates will continue to dish out thousands of dollars to the testing services in hopes that they may be dubbed "good enough" to teach in this state. Meanwhile, we talk about how to get more credentialed teachers in our schools. Why don't we start by looking at our national and state specific requirements for credential candidates.

We have passionate people who are well versed in their content areas being turned away from the opportunity to attain their teaching credential because of these standardized tests. I believe the time has come to redirect our focus from those who simply talk about education, to those who dare to enter such a noble profession. Dare to excel, Dare to inspire, Dare to teach!