Pathfinder K-8 Teachers Support MAP Boycott


Dear Superintendent Banda,
            By unanimous agreement, Pathfinder K-8 teachers would like to express our full and unequivocal support for our colleagues across the district who have boycotted the MAP test. While it is true that there are certain uses for the MAP, and that some teachers find ways to make it useful, its costs far outweigh its benefits. We share the criticisms our colleagues have so thoughtfully conveyed to you. To provide one specific example, at Pathfinder students lose access to our computer lab for nearly 4 months of the school year. For many students, this is the only opportunity they have to use technology to support their learning. As educators, we must prioritize learning over testing and we sincerely hope that you share this philosophy.
            We appreciate your decision to convene a task force on assessment. In the meantime, we ask that you respect the decision your teachers have made to waste no more precious instructional time on a test that does not serve the needs of our students. Your teachers want the very best for students and that includes meaningful assessment tools. You have the opportunity to demonstrate inspired leadership and to send a message that, as the AAUP-UW contended, teachers in your district are regarded as educated professionals fully qualified to advise the school district with regards to assessment of student learning. As Superintendent, you have the chance to restore integrity and compassion to our district. Perhaps most importantly, you have the ability to show you are listening, really listening, to the voices of teachers in Seattle and across the entire country.
                                                                                    Sincerely, Pathfinder K-8 Teachers

Comments

Anonymous said…
Come on, four months? As I remember MAP is maybe a week each time it's administered. These ' unanimous" declarations real of disinterest on the part of teachers who are willing to go along with the rabble-rousers. Let the district work out a better assessment, if the is one, and let these teachers get their union house in order and find a way to evaluate teachers that works. I can imagine that Pinehurst had no more than the 25% of union members who voted for their current leadership, yet 100% agree on the MAP issue? My guess is it's a lot easier to sign off on a letter to the sup. than go to a union meeting.
KS
mirmac1 said…
KS

Check the assessment calender on the district's REA page. Our elementary had a 4 week testing window for fall, winter, and spring: 3 weeks, then 1 week for make-ups. I expect larger schools req more time.
Anonymous said…
At Hamilton, MAPS testing takes place from 1/9 - 2/20.
I get daily emails that tell me to have my student return a book followed by notification that the library is closed.


HIMS Parent
Anonymous said…
Anyhoo, it is a lot of time but the other points are valid. Teachers should address their union first.
KS

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