TYLER, TEXAS (KYTX) -- One of the concerns raised by teachers in Chicago resonates with others in the field: standardized testing.
"There is so much emphasis placed on one test, I can understand why teachers feel that way. Then when you build in the evaluation system, I understand teacher's concern about that," Dr. Mark Wagstaff, an educator for 34 years, said.
Wagstaff has taught in Van and Frankston and says he's seen a lot of changes, like jobs on the line depending on how state exams turn out.
He says that puts immense stress on teachers, a strain felt in the learning environment. "Their concern, and it would be mine too, is that there are many variables that affect student performance besides what teachers do, that are beyond their control," Wagstaff said.
Like family and social life that comes into play after the bell rings. "Sometimes teachers need to unite to say this is wrong. Teachers are taking the blame for a whole lot of things that are societal," Kathy Morrison, also a retired educator, said.
They aren't saying to do away with the tests, but think there are other learning goals to consider. "Like helping a child develop higher level thinking skills, creativity, and problem solving," Morrison said.
But Wagstaff knows the most important thing is keeping children in the classroom and learning. He thinks it's a good thing unions are illegal in Texas.
"I don't envy Chicago administrators because in a state that's unionized like that they spend a lot of their time dealing with union issues rather than education issues," Wagstaff said.
