<p>The TAAS test in Texas has been replaced with the TAKS test. At my school, raising the passing rate is almost an obsession. Teachers , especially those at the lower levels, are essentially teaching the test. From what I understand, students in elementary school who dont pass all of the TAKS test aren't allowed to go on to the next grade (correct me if I'm wrong on that).</p>
<p>I understand the reasoning behind having standardized testing, but sometimes, I think it has gone too far. In addition to taking the TAKS test, in my school district, we also take TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) tests in every single class (like an end of course exam, but in addition to our AP exams and our class finals). Also, for the past few years our school has had the "honor" of being selected to field test future version of the TAKS test. The total amount of class time lost to testing is tremendous. Last year, in the week before the AP tests, I was in my APUSH class exactly once. The four days before AP exams were dedicated to TAKS field testing, which actually doesn't even count for anything. </p>
<p>I think the new superintendent in HISD (Houston Independent School District) has the right idea - keep TAKS standardized testing as a way of ensuring scholastic achievement, but cut down on other excess testing that does nothing but cut back from class time.</p>