Here’s an interesting look at whether having a science FCAT is good or bad in the long run.
Bruce Alberts raised those concerns during his time as president of the National Academy of Sciences, an organization dedicated to “furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare.”
In speeches at the academy’s annual meetings, he repeatedly talked about standardized testing, always looking ahead to what would happen in 2007.
“The No Child Left Behind Act requires that high-stakes science assessments be implemented in each of the 50 states,” he said at the 2003 meeting. “Unfortunately, it is much easier and less expensive to test for science words than for science understanding and abilities. The wrong kinds of tests will force the trivialization of science education and drive most students, including many potential scientists, away from science.”
With that in mind, I looked at some sample FCAT science questions. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a science class. But for what it’s worth, the questions seemed surprisingly hard. Most of them weren’t multiple choice. Many required much more than memorization. All good signs.
I asked Ruth Senftleber, science supervisor for Duval County public schools, my question of the day: Is science on the FCAT good for science?
“I believe it is,” she said.
