OKA, easyCBM, iReady, OAKS, etc. — these are part of more than 100 standardized tests our kids have to take, including kindergartners. Here’s the thing: There can never be enough tests or enough data.
Gov. Kate Brown’s new budget wants $3.5 million for new “improved” elementary tests and new science tests.
It didn’t use to be like this. Just one generation ago, schools weren’t testing factories. Teachers got to teach. Kids learned. So what’s going on?
For testing corporations, the more tests your kids take, the more money they make. For federal, state and local testocrats, it’s about a paycheck and a religious belief in The Church of Data.
Many politicians drank the Kool-Aid or are afraid to question the Data Church. For the kids, it’s about “sit down and take the next test.” And teachers are told to keep quiet in the back seat of the car, with the kids, while the “adults” drive out-of-control.
Yes, the testers are out of control. They can’t stop themselves. Somebody’s got to take their keys away. Support Rep. John Lively’s “Too Young to Test” bill, which would prohibit mandatory testing from pre-kindergarten through grade two.
Put classroom teachers back in the driver’s seat.
Roscoe Caron
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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