Catch up with an audio or video playback of New Jersey 101.5's hour-long special on the PARCC school testing controversy, with host Eric Scott. And take a look at the pros and cons of PARCC, gathered from defenders and critics as well as published materials and other resources.

*THE PROS:

  • Makes teachers accountable – PARCC will provide a direct means of gauging and improving classroom performance.
  • Problem-solving skills – The tests will require skills that colleges and employers demand, including the ability to think critically and apply knowledge rather than just memorize facts.
  • College Readiness – Some 800 colleges, including many in New Jersey, helped create the test, ensuring that students will graduate from high school ready for college and careers.
  • Student Assessment – PARCC will help teachers and parents identify students' strengths and weaknesses, and whether additional instruction is needed.
  • Interactive – The test is less reliant on multiple-choice and features new question types.
  • Flexibility – Shorter testing periods mean schools do not have to shut down for testing. Teachers and students, who are not testing, can be in class.
  • Efficiency – Schools do not have to spend as much time or as many resources to administer the tests as they did with paper exams.
  • Common Core – The information base underlying the PARCC tests creates equal and uniform standards for students across the country. New Jersey children and their teachers will be better able to compare their performance with that of students across U.S.
  • Money – The test ties into Race to the Top program and performance could equate to dollars for New Jersey education.

*All information sourced from PARCCOnline.org and the New Jersey Department of Education***

A display in Moorestown provides PARCC test information. (David Matthau, Townsquare Media New Jersey)
A display in Moorestown provides PARCC test information. (David Matthau, Townsquare Media New Jersey)
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**THE CONS:

  • The Unknown – There are still too many unanswered questions and too much  disorganization with only about a month to go until the test is administered. The time allotted for practice and simulation tests seems inadequate.
  • Technology – Many schools are struggling to pull together the computers, properly equipped testing rooms and WIFI infrastructure needed to handle the volume of testing. How are the costs being covered?  Will the vendor, Pearson, be able to handle technical issues arising during the tests?
  • Math Calculator – Concerns have surfaced over the utility tools inside the test, especially the calculator for math section. It’s very cumbersome and not as functional as what children are accustomed to using.
  • Level Playing Field – Since the test requires students to use technology, many children from poor and low-income areas may not have as much experience using the computers and software, which could put them at a disadvantage.
  • Logistics – Are the 20 designated testing days going to be enough for all New Jersey public schools to work test into their varied schedules?
  • Opt-out – Students who want to opt out may have to miss 20 days of class in March and 20 more in May. Will this prevent them from moving on to the next grade?
  • Outdated Materials – The test uses YouTube videos and other pop culture items, but because of copyright laws, much of the material is out of date.
  • Teacher Anxiety – Teachers bear the burden of preparing students for the PARCC tests while also trying to cover the normal curriculum. Many have expressed concern and confusion about tests, which will be used, in part, to assess their professional performance.

**All information sourced from the New Jersey Education Association as well as individual teachers, administrators and parents interviewed by New Jersey 101.5.


 

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