Is the Game Rigged?

In recent discussions with Berwyn CARES members, we've tackled this question:

Is the test score game rigged against us?

With all of the attention given to the score on a test taken on ONE DAY as a way to measure a school's (or community's) success, have we lost sight of the actual value in the learning experiences that happen throughout the rest of the year? Here is a 6 minute video about a school that places the emphasis on the learning! Many parallels to our own school population! Please watch.

Statistics show that minorities score lower on the standardized test scores. Statistics show that kids from low-income homes score lower on the standardized test scores. Statistics show that kids from non-English speaking homes score lower on the standardized test scores. Is this game rigged against Berwyn? Perhaps.

Where we might stand out as different, is in the methods and philophies that guide our teaching and learning experiences. What if Berwyn were known as the place where schools are innovative? What if Berwyn were knows as the place where critical thinking and creativity are the top considerations for curriculum planning and evaluation? What if Berwyn were the destination in suburban Chicago for families who value the other 179 days of the school year when learning experiences are rich and children are nurtured to become great thinkers. Maybe we can start by emphasizing and articulating what is really important! Is it only our test scores?

Consider joining a CARES committee to explore innovations in education. We'll be learning together about which of these innovations are present and practiced in Berwyn classrooms today and which might be considered.