Yes, give PARCC concept some time

I'd like to respond to the exceptionally written article by Mr. Fred Schlessinger, who comments about the new PARCC tests which will be a lot more difficult to pass than the previous ISAT tests.

I agree with him about how the PARCC will set the bar higher for teachers as they delve deeper into subjects. To do well on PARCC, students will need to use critical thinking skills, go deeper in their analysis, wrestle with concepts and dissect problems.

To prepare students for this test teachers are being challenged to put more rigor into their teaching by asking students to grapple with an issue until they can evaluate, synthesize, and analyze their responses. Even before we knew about PARCC, I taught with rigor; most teachers I know do.

PARCC advisers say no more moving on once some of the class "gets the right answer." Knowing an answer is just the jumping off point into deeper waters. Teachers are nervous because foolishly some districts will use the PARCC scores to fire or give a poor evaluation to some very good teachers.

That would be like firing the lifeguard because the swimmer won't grab the inner tube. Depending on several factors, some students will drown (not pass) despite the herculean efforts of their teachers. You liberals out there, stop reading now. Factors that affect test scores include the percent of students with low income, low English proficiency, racial breakdown in a community/school, and how the student did on previous statewide assessments.

We're headed into some murky and choppy waters here. Let's not be too judgmental of teachers and students until we've have time to do what we're asking of students: grapple with, evaluate, synthesize and analyze the PARCC concept. Give it time; the waters will clear and the next idea will come floating by.

Valerie Goranson

Libertyville