Sheila !Passing the AIMS Test

Passing the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test is an issue facing high school seniors hoping to graduate in Arizona in 2006. Many students have passed the test easily, but the problem is the seniors who can't seem to pass and whether they will be allowed to graduate.

Supporters believe testing will challenge students to achieve higher academic levels.

Opponents believe students have already passed their graduation requirements and shouldn't have to pass another test.

Supporters believe testing is a means of monitoring the effectiveness of the educational system.

Opponents believe assessment reflects poorly on low-income, people of color, and immigrants, and that the tests are inherently biased against them.

Another negative effect on education is the instructional time necessary for testing. State and district testing already takes up one-fifth of a students time. That amounts to 36 days per year!!

I started my research believing the AIMS test was something beneficial for our educational system. Now I've concluded the super secret test is something the students are being coached how to take. When teachers teach to the test the results do not reflect true learning.

Visit the Board of Education website and decide for yourself.

http://www.ade.az.gov/standards/aims/