It seems that COVID-19 has brought itself into our lives time and time again, now going on almost over a year. With the 2020-2021 school year halfway over, we are now entering PA state testing season.

Seeing that the school year has been completely rearranged, and completely disrupted, kids have not been able to get the proper education that they need to perform well on these state tests. Most students I have talked to are hoping that these tests will be canceled because they feel they do not have the necessary knowledge to do well on these tests—whether English, Math or Science. 

Also, the teachers that I have talked to feel the test should be canceled because while they have tried their best to get the needed content to us, there are too many obstacles to overcome.  The inconsistency of virtual learning mixed with in-person has not led to a positive learning experience. Knowing that if a student does not pass these tests they have to take a remediation class next year and re-learn the subject is frustrating. This can hurt the students schedule because they now can not take an extra class that they feel would be more beneficial or enriching. This extra class could expose them to something they may want to do for their job in the future.

This test will hurt the students, the teachers and the district because it will be an inaccurate representation of our ability seeing the struggle that everyone has had to go through. With all of the changes that have happened over the last two school years, why would we be forced to take a test that is founded on what a typical year looks like?  This year and last have been anything but normal for all students.  Please reconsider this test as a requirement for the 8th, 9th and 10th graders of all PA districts.  

Respectfully,

A concerned student