Title: Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Headings: U.S. Department of Education
NCLB STRONGER ACCOUNTABILITY
Content: Some say that testing causes teachers to teach to the test. Is that true? State assessments are expected to measure how well students meet the state's academic standards, which define what students should know and be able to do in different subject areas at different grade levels. Under the previous reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1994, states were required to develop or adopt standards in mathematics and in reading or language arts; No Child Left Behind requires states to do the same with science standards by 2006. Curriculum based on state standards should be taught in the classroom. If teachers cover subject matter required by the standards and teach it well, then students will master the material on which they will be tested--and probably much more. In that case, students will need no special test preparation in order to do well. TOP
7. Nevertheless, state assessments sound like they could take a lot of time and effort.