Resolution Seeks An End to Tests That Undermine Teaching and Learning

7/29/2012

AFT delegates unanimously passed a clear and forceful resolution on what has become a vexing issue for many educators, students, parents and school administrators: the growing fixation on high-stakes testing.

Educators have increasingly complained about standardized tests being used to close schools and sanction teachers, while doing little to improve the quality of education or close the achievement gap.

"Appropriate assessments are an integral part of a high-quality public education," the resolution, titled "Testing Should Inform, Not Impede, Teaching and Learning," points out. "By contrast, the current test-and -punish accountability model has seriously damaged public education."



Speaking from the convention floor, IFT President Dan Montgomery urged delegates to adopt this resolution and make teaching the center of education, not testing.

An AFT petition denouncing the fixation on testing has already been signed by more than 23,000 educators, students, parents and others. To sign the petition, go to AFT's Web site.