Testing Too Much?

A Principal's Guide to Cutting Back Testing and Reclaiming Instructional Time

By (author) Philip A. Streifer, Barry Sheckley, Richard Ayers

Publication date:

23 May 2017

Length of book:

176 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475833669

There is too much testing in American Public Schools that is robbing teachers of valuable instructional time. Some of it is mandatory, but the vast majority is not, and under the control of districts, schools and even teachers to reduce. Testing Too Much? provides a rationale and set of three models to use in cutting back on testing to reclaim valuable instructional time. It also includes a high school case study describing how the themes proposed in the book can be accomplished. Instructional time is a complex subject that is discussed in detail and the underlying research why it is so important, especially for disadvantaged children. To address how best to cut back on non-mandated testing there is a chapter, written in plain terms, on how to judge the value of a test. Three models are then discussed on how to approach cutting back on testing by as much as 25% that can recapture as much as ten days or more of instruction during a typical school year. The goal of the book is to help school leaders and teachers find ways, amongst current local testing practices, to cut back, improve their instruction and the educational experiences of their students.
Phil Streifer’s new book is a must-read for anyone concerned with testing, data based decision-making, and instruction. Students need more instructional time. Finding the correct balance of testing and assessment with instructional time is an imperative all educators and reformers must consider. Streifer not only understands the concepts, but he has worked as a superintendent and instructional leader to pragmatically address them. This book is timely and clearly written, as well as grounded in research.