<p>In New York state, students must now pass five subject tests (biology, English, math, global studies and I can't remember the last one - if it were on a multiple choice exam, I could pick it out) spread throughout the high school years. It dominates everything in our school district.</p>
<p>Soozievt mentioned the portfolios used in Vermont. I believe that was enacted when Richard Mills was Vt. commissioner of education. Now he's NY state commissioner of education - devised our current testing requirements and is pushing to force the handful of exempt, alternative schools (that use a portfolio type evaluation) from the regents' exam requirements. Change of heart or change of boss? </p>
<p>I think that it has helped low performing schools, and yes, we need accountability. I think the effort, money and time spent on it does not justify the outcome for all schools. I hope that we've reached a plateau - we're fully into the testing regimen and maybe could reintroduce some things like reading for pleasure or encourage intellectual curiosity. Where do you find teachers who can stand to teach in a test-driven system yet retain the ability to be creative and insightful about their students?</p>