New tests reflect higher standards, better learning

As an educator who has been involved in teaching mathematics for 22 years, I am encouraged by recent shifts in education curriculum and assessment.

The transition to new Illinois state standards based on the Common Core and aligned assessments that rolled out in some districts beginning this month have narrowed our focus and challenged us to deliver a richer and deeper meaning of mathematics.

The new test, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), replaces the Illinois State Achievement Test and Prairie State Achievement Exam. It was designed with heavy input from educators to ensure students are prepared with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in K-12 education and, more importantly, in what comes after it.

Though our district implemented the tests for the first time last week, I've had experience with PARCC through a few rounds of pilot testing and as one of the many educators shaping its development.

The structure of the test aligns with the vision I've long held for what we should require of students - to go deeper in their analysis, truly wrestle with concepts, and dissect problems.

This will help students develop the critical thinking skills that are essential for success in the 21st Century economy. And the shift to PARCC tests and related standards has propelled change in the way teachers approach delivering curriculum.

Because the new state standards and PARCC assessments demand more of students, our teachers have been challenged to go deeper in proving students' understanding of concepts.

Rather than moving on to the next idea when students grasp a topic, teachers now ask students to continue grappling with the issue - in some cases by exploring a more rigorous aspect of it. That equips students to demonstrate ownership of their ideas and to articulate them as their own, just as they will be required to do on the PARCC assessments.

The shift to PARCC also has sparked rich discussions among teachers about what is the best approach to teaching and how we can prepare students for success - not just on PARCC, but in school and life beyond the test. In short, PARCC and the aligned standards will make us better teachers, allowing us to help students stretch themselves and become better thinkers and learners.

Making a shift to PARCC can stir up fear and uncertainty - about how students will perform on the test or whether teachers' efforts have paid off. But we can't let that hold us back from making what will be an important transition to a new opportunity for students - and teachers - to reach their highest potential.

We need to trust our curriculum as professional educators.

We also need the support to explore deeper, more innovative ways to challenge our students to achieve success - and prepare them for the K-12 journey and beyond.

Fred Schlessinger has taught math for 22 years. He currently teaches at Clarence E. Culver School in Niles.