Standardized testing of B.C. students is 'hurtful': president of B.C. teachers' union
The president of the B.C.Teachers’ Federation is speaking out about the upcoming round of standardized tests in schools and is encouraging parents to withdraw their children from the exams.
Every year the Foundation Skills Assessment tests Grade 4 and 7 students province-wide on reading, writing and numeracy.
But BCTF president Teri Mooring says teachers are against the tests because they’re hurtful and take away from important classroom time.
“It’s not helpful to students, teachers, or families, and it’s making existing inequities worse,” she wrote in an open letter to parents.
Mooring said the tests also create anxiety for many students and “preparation and administration takes away from valuable classroom teaching and learning time.”
But according to the ministry, the test results provide valuable information.
“Results are provided to you, your child, teachers, and the Ministry to ensure B.C. is providing high quality education to all of its students,” reads a brochure about the Foundation Skills Assessment for parents.
“Results ensure that no students are left behind in B.C., regardless of their background,” it continues.
Still, Mooring disagrees. In her letter she writes that the test results do not lead to increased support for students or additional resources for schools based on need.
Instead, she said, a right-wing think tank misuses results to “inappropriately rank B.C. schools.” This, she said, contributes to entrenching both real and perceived inequities.
“(The results) disproportionately affect students in low-income and racialized communities, often resulting in a diminished sense of pride and community for students and families,” she said.
The tests are not mandatory, and Mooring is reminding parents their kids aren’t obligated to sit them.
“Many parents over the last several years have decided to withdraw their children from the FSA, and you can too,” she wrote.
“Please know you have the support of teachers from across the province.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.