I found this in the Public Education Network Weekly NewsBlast, and post here and on my personal blog.
“Not on the Test” satirizes the American education system’s renewed focus on rote teaching.
Tom Chapin, a Grammy Award-winning musician perhaps best known for children’s music, has released a new song titled “Not on the Test.” The song satirizes the American education system’s renewed focus on rote teaching, in which tests have become the sole reason to teach and learn. Music, art, drama and sports were what kept Chapin engaged in school. In addition, these subjects make the teacher’s (and the student’s) job easier and infinitely more rewarding. Unfortunately, they are also what have been cut from curriculums across the country as Chapin explains lightheartedly in song.
Chapin’s web site for “Not on the Test” has helpful links and information, including audio, video, lyrics, and art. Tom Chapin’s Official Web Site also features “Not on the Test.”
As one concerned that budget cuts will eviscerate a good education, I resonate and recommend.
I teach gifted students in lower Alabama (PACE – Pursuing Academic and Creative Excellence) and I give this song a standing ovation. The problems just now coming to the forefront of the American education system are ones that I identified when I first began teaching 3rd grade 10 years ago. I have forwarded this song to as many different people I know so more attention can be given to the teaching to the test epidemic.
We are leaving our brightest and most creative children behind with NCLB, which is actually supposed to be geared for ALL students, not just those who are struggling. All who were involved in the creation of NCLB need to come back down to the REAL WORLD. They need to visit poverty-stricken or inner city schools and schools that have a large special education population. They need to see that because of the emphasis on bringing up test scores teachers are having to place the vast majority of their time on trying to bring up the lowest performing students, which leaves little time for the average learner and no time at all for the advanced students.
My students get frustrated and bored in the regular classroom. I do what I can, but I only see them one day a week. I try to do what I can to encourage and stimulate them during that time. I am very fortunate to teach this group of students. Friends of mine who teach in the regular classroom setting are getting increasing dissatisfied with their jobs. Many have already, or are planning on it for this upcoming school year, gone to another school system in the hopes of it being better somewhere else. They still want to teach children regardless of the punishment being meted out by the federal government. Others have gone to jobs that have absolutely nothing to do with education. Teachers are EDUCATED PROFESSIONALS. We are educating and guiding the future, yet we are treated with little to no dignity or respect that is accorded to a great many other professions.
If students revolt against so much testing, in addition to teaching to the test, who can blame them? Certainly not teachers. Students are not learning skills that they can use later in life, you know, in the REAL WORLD, which is definitely NOT where the politicians live. I see so much potential in these students, ones who are not identified as gifted. I encourage and motivate them the best I can. One day, if things do not change, there will be a revolt, and in order for it to be successful, teachers, parents, and students must stand together, united. For the sake of our children and future generations, we need to get back to EDUCATING our students.