Putting the MSA Tests in
Perspective: A Commentary
by Jennifer Robinson, Assessments Chair
As parents, we can keep the MSA in an appropriate perspective.
We know that the MSA is only one way to monitor the progress of
children. Teachers regularly evaluate
homework, class work and use other assessments throughout the year. The MSA tests are not more important than
regular tests, your child's report card, or teacher conferences. They are important to the school, however,
because they provide information helpful in school improvement, and because
schools are held accountable for testing results.
During this season of MSA preparation, parents can maintain a sense of calm and
look to minimize any test-related stress our children may be experiencing. Throughout the year, we have an opportunity
to extend our sense of calm and rationality to every school improvement team in
scores are developed? Is your
representative to the school improvement team representing the
views of parents in your PTA?
Especially at this time of year, but also throughout the year, it is important
for parents' voices to be heard on school improvement teams. Parents need to ask questions about whether
children are receiving instruction in areas for which schools are not held
accountable on the MSA tests, including social studies, art, music, and
physical education. Special subjects
provide positive experiences that increase skill, self-confidence and
happiness. Children become more open to
learning and more able to learn.
Remember, a lot of learning takes place during recess, and recess in turn
enables focus in the classroom. It is
part of the role of every PTA in