Fred Smith: What Passage Topics Were Field Tested In The 3rd-8th Grade ELA Tests?

Fred Smith left a comment on this post I wrote about the Daily News editorial that took Pearson to the woodshed over the G&T test fiasco but left them unscathed over the Common Core tests.

Fred wants to know the passage topics from each of the various test forms in each grade, 3rd-8th, so we can know which one's Pearson was field testing.

Here's what he wrote:

The likelihood and level of incompetence extends to the April 2013 Common Core ELA and Math tests. And to hide the operational items from scrutiny, to fail to issue technical information on the tests in a timely way, to conceal basic information on the structure of the statewide exams and to forbid teachers and principals from uttering a word about the exams is an automatic condemnation of their quality and worth.

Perdido, I saw the Grade 5 ELA (Form C) Book 1 at the Daily News last week.I know the subject of all six reading passages on that form. Do you think we could ask 5th grade teachers who gave the other three forms (A, B and D) to share their recollections about the passages on the form they administered? We're not asking about the specific content or about the multiple-choice items. We're asking about the topics that were covered (similar to the way the Daily News described: A poem "Aloneness;" What are Wind Tunnels;" and "From Rock into Soil.")

That way we would know what the readings dealt with and we could figure our which passages were being field tested. Those would be the passages that were unique to each form. Thus, since SED and Pearson won't even tell us how many items were field tested, we would have a way to know and to determine how many of the Book 1 items actually counted and how many were being taken to help Pearson develop the next round of tests--which we're paying for twice--to develop and to sell to us--all the while keeping us in the dark.

It's a way to break the veil of secrecy and give parents and teachers a chance to say they're are a part of the equation--not sheep to be led around in silence.

The field testing Pearson is conducting in these state exams is one more reason why the tests should not be used for high stakes decisions.

One of the biggest criticisms of the tests was that students didn't have enough time to finish all the items on the exams.

One of the reasons why students couldn't finish their tests is because Pearson was field testing exam passages and questions for future state tests, taking away precious time from students to work on the exam questions that counted toward their scores.

That Pearson, the NYSED and the Regents continue to think they can keep these test contents secret is outrageous.

I am sure Governor Andy will back them up on that, but it will be interesting to see what the courts say when the first lawsuits make their way there.

Especially if these tests are used to hold back students, evaluate teachers or close schools, as is expected (despite assurances from Merryl Tisch and John King to the contrary.)