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The Measures of Academic Progress is an online test. Seattle public school students spend about 45 minutes completing each test for both reading and math, in the winter and spring, with an option to test in the fall. The district requires teachers to administer the test before the end of February.(File photo)

Are teachers who refuse to administer a test good role models for students?

January 17, 2013 @ 5:14 pm (Updated: 9:19 am - 1/18/13 )

Is a teacher who refuses to administer a required test a good role model for his or her students?

This month teachers in at least two Seattle public schools say their students will not take a test they believe has little value and is a waste of time.

The flap is over MAP.

Educators have an acronym-laced language that I'll explain briefly because the type of test some teachers object to is important.

There are standardized tests all Washington students need to take, required by law, and high school students need to pass in order to graduate. Those tests are the Measurements of Student Progress and the High School Proficiency Exam. They're referred to as the "mispy" and the "hispy," though the proper acronyms are MSP and HSPE. They replaced the WASL - Washington Assessment of Student Learning.

In Seattle, and many other districts, students take an additional test called the MAP, Measures of Academic Progress. That's the test some teachers refuse to oversee.

Students spend about 45 minutes completing each test for reading and math. They do this at least twice, possibly three times a school year.

The online test adapts to the student's responses. Answer a question correctly and the test presents a more challenging question. Miss a question, the next question will be easier.

MAP does not count toward students' grades. They don't need to pass it in order to move to the next grade level, or graduate.

For some kids, it's nothing more than computer mouse practice.

"Students are motivated by a variety of things. If they feel like something is not useful to them, they tend not to engage," says Jonathan Knapp, President of the Seattle Education Association.

While the test doesn't mean much for students, the district uses it as part of the teacher evaluation process.

"Low growth triggers additional evaluation of the teacher," says Teresa Whipple with Seattle Public Schools. Higher scores lead to "career ladder opportunities."

The education union voted this week to support fellow Seattle teachers who refuse to give the test.

"We spend so much time in testing and using so many resources," says Knapp. "There's only so much instructional time available in a school year and it (MAP) does not provide good feedback."

The MAP test has pointed in the wrong direction from the beginning, according to Garfield history teacher Jesse Hagopian.

"The test was brought to us under an utter scandal," he says. "Former superintendent, the late Maria Goodloe-Johnson sat on the board of the company that made the test and sells the test, that we adopted in the Seattle Public Schools for over $4 million.

It's not me who has a problem with that. It was actually the state auditor who came in and found that to be an ‘ethics violation.'"

Garfield teachers have been getting support from all over the U.S. after Hagopian appeared on CNN earlier this week to discuss the controversy.

"There's a lot of schools around the country under this testing, and testing, and more testing regime that has really served the interests of a corporate driven so called reform movement in education," he says. "So many people are happy to see that Garfield is standing up and saying that education should be much more than just testing."

He suggests student portfolios would be a better way of assessing how kids are doing throughout the school year.

Seattle Superintendent, Jose Banda, suggests teachers work with him to evaluate or improve the test. In the meantime, make sure students take it.

"MAP remains a required element of our overall student testing process. We expect school staff to fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to administer this test in a timely manner," Banda says in a statement.

If they don't, the district says any instances of teachers not giving the test will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for possible consequences.

Is a teacher who disobeys the superintendent's mandate a good role model for his or her kids in the classroom?

"School is a really complicated thing. We have very important responsibilities in our lives to direct the community in responsible and moral ways," says Knapp. "I think we can all point to individuals, really heroes in our history, who have challenged decisions that have been made."

By LINDA THOMAS

More from Linda Thomas

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Comments (52)


  • Add A Comment

  • DJFavorite wrote...
    what I find interesting
    January 18, 2013 7:00 am
    SSD is one of two districts in the state which graduates students with the minimum requirements, as defined by the state. With the changes to graduation requirements that are coming in the next few years, these students will be the biggest impacted (our district already have more than what the new requirements define to graduate). I think that there's more problems than just a single test with this district.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    wow...from the seattle times op-ed article on this:
    January 18, 2013 7:09 am
    "Seattle’s ninth- and 10th-grade students already take five state-required standardized tests, with 11th- and 12th-graders taking three. Seattle Public Schools staff admitted to a Garfield teacher the MAP test is not valid at the high-school level, because the margin of error is greater than expected gains."

    sorry, but FIVE STATE REQUIRED TESTS!? please tell me that's just one test for each subject, right? because if it's FIVE SEPARATE tests, the state is WASTING MONEY! anybody else remember when the SCHOOL and TEACHERS were the ones who made up and gave tests? it's a money industry now! 4 million for the MAP test alone! WHICH is basically worthless to high schoolers as said in the clip from the article i posted.

    you can go off about the "big, bad unions" all you want. but, wrong is wrong. those of you who go off about unions should ALSO be mad that the state and local school admins are DUMPING MONEY hand over fist into these stupid programs. AND, they're assessing TEACHERS using tests where they have NO IDEA what the content of the test is? by the way, the tests don't even cover all the stuff the state mandates the teachers to teach! SO WHAT'S THE POINT!!!???

    open your eyes people. it's NOT the teachers. is the people in CHARGE of them that keep making thing worse.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DJFavorite wrote...
    the 5 standard tests...
    January 18, 2013 7:52 am
    are given over the course of the 4 years in HS (actually, they are typically completed by the end of 10th grade) "2015-2016: Reading, writing, two math end-of-course assessments, one biology end-of-course assessment." http://www.sbe.wa.gov/documents/FAQ%20Graduation%20Requirements.pdf If the kids can't pass these tests (except for in rare instances) then perhaps there needs to be additional testing, like the MAP. Why did SSD implement these MAP tests? Is it to make sure the students are learning what they need to pass the EOC tests or English HSPE?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    according to a teacher...
    January 18, 2013 9:19 am
    your facts are incorrect.

    "Seattle's ninth- and 10th-grade students already take five state-required standardized tests"

    if it's "over four years" did they start in 8th grade?

    also, you ignore the part where the district said that the tests aren't accurate for high school: "Seattle Public Schools staff admitted to a Garfield teacher the MAP test is not valid at the high-school level, because the margin of error is greater than expected gains."

    you're kinda all over the place and not sticking the facts.

    these tests are a BUSINESS. test makers are making a KILLING in America due to this. THAT'S why there's a push for privatization. it's TOTALLY flawed and ALL ABOUT THE BOTTOM LINE. if you don't see that, i can't help you.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DJFavorite wrote...
    I was trying to make a clarification
    January 18, 2013 9:40 am
    to the statement made above. I wanted to make sure people didn't think that there were 5 standard tests every year (since these MAP test appear to be). I'm not in the SSD, so I don't know the details about the MAP tests. I do know the facts about the HSPE and MSP, and EOC tests. In fact, I even linked to the state requirements. In my comment. I don't go making statements without research and I even gave my source. Students have to pass those 5 tests to graduate. HS is typically a 4 year school. So, they have to have them completed in 4 years. The HSPE tests are given in 10th grade, so that takes care of 2 of the 5 tests. The 2 EOC are done, typically in the 9th & 10th grades. 10th graders also typically take biology, so that EOC is done then. SO, those 5 tests can typically be completed in 2 years, but they have until 12th grade to actually complete them. And you know what, some children who are smart enough, can take those math EOC in 7th and/or 8th grade. (like my son did) So, are you going to answer my questions I have about the MAP tests?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    "Why did SSD implement these MAP tests? Is it to make sure the students are learning what they need to pass the EOC tests or English HSPE?"
    January 18, 2013 11:15 am
    YES, i've addressed your questions, just not directly. i'll water it down for you. because the last superintendent was on the board (or something) of the company that she gave the testing contract to. they were using them to "assess" students' knowledge of the things they were supposed to learn in class, BUT they (the tests) don't completely align with state standards, so they're pointless.

    ALSO, the SSD admits that the tests make no sense for HS because of their margin of error.

    um, so...there you go.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DJFavorite wrote...
    So, then it sounds
    January 18, 2013 11:43 am
    like the SSD should re-evaluate the decision about these MAP tests. If these teachers don't like the tests, then let them work with the school district to get them removed or modified. I'm sure there were discussions before the drastic decision of these teachers. If the teachers didn't try to work with the district before this vote on whether to administer the test, then bad on them. If they did try to work with the district, and the district refused to work with them, then bad on the district. Again, I don't live in the SSD, do I only know what's being said in the media. I would hope that if there were more 'behind the scenes' discussions, they would be brought out to help in the general population's understanding of the situation. If the 'parties' did try to work together and it was brought up in the media, then I must have missed it and would love for someone to point out those details to me.
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  • Bremerton Voice wrote...
    Real issues in education
    January 18, 2013 7:36 am
    When do you guys start reporting on the real issues in education, like schools in this state that have an inability to educate students with learning disorders?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Forrest wrote...
    Cut to the chase.
    January 18, 2013 7:42 am
    Most intercity youth don't come to school prepared to learn. The teachers could be the best teachers in the world and a large percentage of their students would fail a standardized test because they don't have the desire or incentive to learn. Many just want to get out of class and go hang out on a street corner with their gang (which they view as their family).
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Splinge wrote...
    Testing...
    January 18, 2013 8:16 am
    Not giving students a state mandated test is basically an employee refusing to carry out an employers wishes. I am not a fan of MAP tests, but letting this slide is an extremely bad idea. It is allowing the employees to dictate the direction of the business at their whim and is yet another confirmation of our education system being under union control, and the utter lack of spine the school administration has. As far as teaching the children; What would you take away from this kind of behavior? It isn't rocket science, children are going to be more likely to believe using civil disobedience to get their way is acceptable, and forgo the idea of working as a larger group as in our republic. I'm telling you, left unchecked, this will surely lead to no good.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Gunther wrote...
    Hypocrisy
    January 18, 2013 8:36 am
    What would happen if a teacher decided she did not like the curriculum teaching diversity, or global warming? I think the district would be taking a different stance. I personally do not think the gov has the right to tell me I have to buckle up, but I do because its the law. The teachers have a union, national union to help negotiate something better. It just seems chaotic if we all get to pick and choose what rules we follow. I think it sends the wrong message to the students.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DigDeeper wrote...
    Teachers Doing What's RIGHT is BEST for Kids
    January 18, 2013 8:45 am
    Congratulations to Garfield HS for standing-up for what's right for kids and learning, demonstrating why they continue to be one of Seattle's educational bright spots. People always complain when the "adults" don't do what's right for kids. In this case they ARE. Two main points: 1. Assessment, Remediation, & Curriculum are BIG BUSINESS. Sell a test that students do poorly on and you can sell the remedy. Want to do well on a test we sell, we'll sell you the curriculum. Schools--and education, then becomes a dog & pony show to appease the publishers with very little focus on LEARNING.(Beware of PEARSON) 2. 20% of a students educational time is spent around testing. Other about MAP • The district purchased the MAP test under the late Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson, who was on the board of the company that sells the exam, which teachers consider a conflict of interest. • The test's margin of error is greater than the gains her students are expected to make • Students don't know what content the test covers. • Ninth-graders who receive extra support are tested more than others, even though they are the very students who can't afford to lose classroom time. • The time needed to give the test, which is administered online, ties up the school's computer lab for weeks. • The results can be artificially low because many students don't take the test seriously. When students don't see value, they'll mark any answer just to get it done.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    It's all about the arrogance.....
    January 18, 2013 8:48 am
    Kinda like the stuff Seattle pulls on the residents of WA state.....can't do anything about it so they like to throw in your face. If they really had issues, it would be something that would be discussed as a district and the School board may decide the outcome.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zoeller wrote...
    Fire Them all.
    January 18, 2013 9:15 am
    In almost any other job if an employee refuses to do their mandated job they are fired. We are paying these people to do a job and if they do not like their job requirements then they need to go find a new job.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    except for the part where...
    January 18, 2013 11:21 am
    their admins support them, their PTSA supports them, and they have NATIONAL support.

    it's not as black and white as you make it. simplifying the problem in this sense like you have just shows a lack of insight to the actual problem.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zoeller wrote...
    Oly -Talk about " Lack of insight"
    January 18, 2013 12:03 pm
    So in your lame opinion just because the teachers have an issue-(refuse to do their mandated jobs) and they have other supporters they are correct in refusing to the job that we pay them to do? The actual problem is that our school system is run by union thugs that will not hold our teachers accountable to properly teach our children. A schools teaching system based on seniority is set up to fail before it has begun.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Dan1 wrote...
    AJ McCarrell
    January 18, 2013 10:44 am
    Just say it, Michelle O looks like a tranny monkey.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zoeller wrote...
    Dan -
    January 18, 2013 10:49 am
    What is a Tranny Monkey?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Dan1 wrote...
    Zoeller
    January 18, 2013 10:59 am
    Part transvestite part monkey.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    wow,
    January 18, 2013 11:22 am
    THAT was racist.

    you are a bad person.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    my comment
    January 18, 2013 11:28 am
    = re: Dan1's original comment. wow you guys sure go back and forth a lot.

    must be a low productivity day.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }