1. I think forcing kids to take the ACT is a waste of effort, time, and taxpayer money.

 

2. If my child is an athlete taking this test after getting in bed late due to a game that's on the school. It will have effect on him/her since they will be taking the "normal" ACT exam like every other kid does on a Saturday morning.

Me personally, I have never bought into the whole too tired to take a test. While important, the ACT can be retaken and if anything, most students thinking of college are taking this test seriously, but they also know they can retake the test after they go through this "dry run". Not to mention that all students who participate in sports know when they play that they are still responsible for their school work.

 

I would like to think that all the juniors throughout the state have had the necessary preparation from their school for the state mandated ACT since the schools are going to be held accountable for the scores from the state mandated ACT.

You're right...and until students are held accountable for scores on state testing (and now the ACT since it is part of state testing) it is going to be difficult to get an accurate portrayal of such students' actual academic abilities.

 

Now, in what ways should we hold students accountable? That's a tough question to answer. Anyone have any ideas?

 

I believe to hold students truly accountable, you have to switch the test to a true outcome based test. A minimum requirement test that must be passed to gain a diploma. Since this is so far below the standards expected on the tests given now, it will never happen in this state.

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I believe to hold students truly accountable, you have to switch the test to a true outcome based test. A minimum requirement test that must be passed to gain a diploma. Since this is so far below the standards expected on the tests given now, it will never happen in this state.

 

Good post. As a teacher, I agree. :thumb:

The ACT should be took on saturdays. cause the juniors will have to stay up half the night studying. Then the next day they have to sit all day and take it. Then some of these juniors will be playing in the biggest games of their high school career that same night. You should not put the kids through this.