Victims of Standardized Testing: Achievement Academy, Albany, NY

10/9/2012

I need to tell you about Achievement Academy in Albany, New York.

I visit many middle schools and high schools across the country in my capacity as literacy consultant for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Trust me when I say that it’s rare to find an example of a school in which students who have been marginalized in public schools and perform significantly below grade level upon enrollment, grow significantly in their academic achievement and self- esteem. Achievement Academy, an exemplary charter school that both accepts and keeps all students, is one such school. The teachers at Achievement Academy speak of their students with love and passion, and they never waver in their rigorous academic expectations. When I visit them, I witness countless examples of engaged and meaningful instruction.

So I was disheartened to learn, just prior to my recent September visit, that Achievement Academy will cease to exist after this school year. I am truly heartbroken by this decision. And I am perplexed. Why would a school that is able to shrink the student achievement gap be closed? As I said, the students at Achievement Academy are generally below grade level when they enter. But by the time they graduate from Achievement Academy, the below-grade-level achievement across the student body is significantly lessened.

Yet in the eyes of education officials in Albany, New York, this is not enough. It is not enough that the Achievement Academy students had gains that were far greater than what they were able to attain in their previous schools. It is not enough that students are actually happy about attending a school that nurtures their self-esteem and confidence - a school that values their humanity as well as their academic progress. It is not enough.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You see, in most school districts, this isn’t enough. Instead, the myopic focus is on one measure of success: state standardized test scores. In most school districts around the country, students who are on or above “grade level” - based on standardized test scores - are the only ones deemed to be “successful”. Never mind that educational experts would never use only one test score as the sole determining factor in measuring student achievement. Never mind that standardized tests are historically riddled with racial and socio-economic bias. These realities have no impact on politicians. And, make no mistake; this is about politics more than education. Test scores are relatively cheap and they’re easy to manipulate for political purposes. Never mind that it’s children who are always caught in the midst of the testing tempest.

I don’t claim that there is no more work to be done at Achievement Academy. Given time, their test scores should, and would, continue to improve. My point is that their progressive academic model, commitment, tenacity, and resourcefulness are worth nurturing. These factors lead to true academic growth and achievement. Commitment, tenacity and resourcefulness: those responsible for shutting the doors of Achievement Academy have (d) none of the above.

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