Controversy about the tests has been around a long time; some feel there is too much pressure applied to our kids, some question the applicability of the results, others feel it is more of a metric for schools and teachers, some feel its an indispensable tool for measuring success, and others a waste of tax payer money. Our provincial Education minister, Dave Hancock, has this to say. Our new premiere-elect wants to do away with them in elementary schools. What do you think? Leave a comment...
For more on PAT's: From the Sun, from the Herald, from Alberta Education
1 comment:
Thanks for posting this Shane. These exams were always meant to provide feedback to Alberta Learning/Education on whether the Provincial system was effective and meeting curriculum standards. Unfortunately, the results are published ranking schools by results and giving parents the perception that PATs are indicative of the quality of a particular school, department or even teacher. We have both heard the minister speak regarding ending the PAT tradition. Yes, it causes anxiety for students (and teachers too), but this is also part of the learning process. I don't want my child's first experience with a 3 hour subject exam to be at University; you have to build up confidence and exam writing skills over time. Better to start now when it does not count for 50% of their mark. I think some kind of standardized testing is valuable and I have not heard much on what might replace PATs .
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