This is the week of the fourth grade state standardized tests (the ASK test) in New Jersey. Every kid in the state sits for four days of tests, as mandated by NCLB.

I’m not a big hater of NCLB and its standardized testing requirements. I think that those tests have done a good job of pointing out which school districts and areas  need more attention. It can be useful politically to show quantitatively that kids in Newark and Camden are not at the same educational level as the kids in the fancier suburbs. It creates a rationale for sending more resources to those areas.

However, as part of the requirements of NCLB, all kids, including severely disabled kids, have to take those tests. Kids that have been classified as having severe cognitive delays or other learning differences have to take those exams.

Frankly, it’s a little cruel.

Talking with a special ed teacher this week, she was in tears about that requirement. None of her students tested even closely to grade level. The poor kids had to stare at an exam for hours every day and feel stupid. The kids felt bad about themselves. This teacher gave them gummy bears after the test to boost their spirits.

I’m poking around through the literature this morning, trying to figure out the rationale behind this nasty edge to the NCLB.