Teaching to the test has become a prevalent issue in our education system, especially in writing programs. As a passionate writer, I believe that our mission should be to inspire creativity and imagination in our children, rather than merely preparing them for standardized assessments.
Recently, I attended a curriculum night where I witnessed a teacher enthusiastically sharing a new writing program. Her excitement was palpable, but my heart sank when she stated, “It’s a great program; it’s exactly what they will see on the state test.” In that moment, I felt defeated. Writing should be a journey of exploration and self-expression, not just a formulaic exercise designed to score well on a test.
When I taught writing, I cherished the opportunity to guide my students in discovering their unique voices. I loved watching their imaginations unfold on the page, leading to stories that reflected their thoughts, dreams, and experiences. While I acknowledge the importance of understanding structures like the five-paragraph essay, we must ask ourselves: what is it truly preparing our students for? In my own experience, I used that format for a college application essay, and that was likely the last time I wrote one.
We must shift our focus from writing solely for testing purposes to fostering a love for writing. Encouraging creativity and imagination is essential for developing critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence. We can help our children articulate their feelings and ideas, which is invaluable in a world that often stifles individuality.
Let’s not lose the art of writing to the constraints of standardized testing. Instead, let’s create an environment where our children can explore their creativity, express their thoughts freely, and develop a lifelong love for writing. By prioritizing imagination over tests, we can help cultivate the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and innovators.
Comments