Standardized tests have become the benchmark of 21st century educational reform in the United States. The anxiety and fear of not passing high stakes tests, especially high school exit exams, have put many students in the position of dropping out of school, truancy, drug and violent gang activities, and unplanned parenthood. Students who have been traditionally underserved (i.e., minority, English language learners, lower socio-economic status students, and special education students) have the most problems passing their high school exit exams.Many reasons are given for students’ failure of high school exit exams that include: 1) inadequate test taking skills, 2) inability to understand and use higher order thinking skills, 3) poor or no family support, and 4) behavior problems on and off campus.
The argument against students who fail their high school exit exam is that if students cannot pass a high school competency test for English, math, and science, written at an 8th grade level, then students do not deserve a diploma. They do not deserve to work in good paying jobs. They do not deserve a secure future for themselves and their future families.
The argument for students who fail the high school exit exam is that where test questions are not aligned with what is actually taught in the classroom from day-to-day, students who fail the test are wrongfully denied their high school diplomas.
As far as prep tests, students argue that where prep tests are given in 10th grade, but failing results are not used to drive instruction to help students understand concepts missed on the test, failing high school exit exam scores are unfair and unjust because they examine what has not been taught. Hence, they are barriers to a student’s lifelong educational, working, and earning potential.
Problems for not passing standardized tests are linked to students and teachers as the responsible or irresponsible parties. However, blame never reaches those test taking companies who contract to design standardized tests without the input of student, teacher, and parent stakeholders in the process.
What types of educational school models best help students-at-risk to understand concepts and principles on standardized tests to get higher test scores? Career academies link English language arts, math, and science classes to careers and occupations (vocational curriculums) like healthcare, engineering, business, and agricultural skills to help students at risk earn higher exit exam scores when compared to traditional public school models.
Career academies build partnerships with local employers, community organizations, and colleges to create stable and long term relationships with school and work so students get a range of professional opportunities. Opportunities include mentoring and job shadowing so students can observe workers and emulate their success patterns. Students learn to set goals and reach professional objectives that may not be obtainable in traditional school settings.
Are career academy school models a better fit than traditional public school models for students-at-risk of dropping out of school?
