Over the years, #bced teachers' objection to the #FSA has often been narrowed to the Fraser Institute's ranking of schools. Although this is a particularly odious use of the results, it should by no means be considered the sole reason to dispense with this standardized exam. 1/
The #FSA is bad pedagogy. The format and content are outdated. Giving a test unrelated to classroom learning in an unfamiliar format is completely contrary to best practice in assessment and evaluation. The exam does not align with #bced new curriculum. 2/
The exam reduces student service. Administering the #FSA takes up valuable teaching time. Time that could be spent serving the student is spent serving the test. Low scores for a school result in no additional support or resources for students. 3/
The #FSA methodology is flawed. Although ostensibly intended to provide a snapshot of literacy and numeracy achievement in grades 4 and 7 across the province, the design of the FSA means it in fact tests many other things. The data it collects is invalid. 4/
There is no statistically valid reason to test every school every year. Data should be collected using a randomized sample model. Additionally, there is a lack of standardization in amount of student support provided during test taking. 5/
The #FSA is unfair. Weathier schools have more access to student technology, skewing student results. IT support, newness of computer hardware (crashes and freezes are common), familiarity and practice with computer test taking and typing all impact student success. 6/
The #FSA is harmful. Students’ ability to manage anxiety and otherwise self-regulate in an unfamiliar and stressful situation strongly influences their success. Every year teachers report students displaying behaviours indicating high levels of distress. Even trauma. 7/
Prior to taking government, the NDP assured us that they would end the #FSA. Instead, three years into their mandate, the FSA continues. Even during a pandemic. The GVTA calls on @Rob_Fleming and @bcndp to keep their promise and announce the FSA will not continue. /end
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