Teaching to the Test vs Standard Based Instruction: The Confusion

When reading through the educational blogs as well as engaging with teachers on a daily basis, the conversation always arises about being forced to "teach to the test"! What does this mean? Is there some confusion about teaching to the test as opposed to standards based instruction. Teachers all across this nation are being evaluated based upon student performance on standards based standardized tests. Why? I always try to explain to my teachers that it is not the story you are using to teach your lesson that technically matters. The academic focus should always remain on the standards themselves. I recommend that they implement the backwards planning design. This process requires them to start with evaluation tools that mirror the full rigor of the academic standard. After building the assessment, it becomes much easier to plan activities that can become the bridge between instruction and assessment. One of the main issues that I have noticed when reading through lesson plans or observing classrooms is the lack of modeling desire academic outcomes which is also a part of standards based instruction. I always try to stress the importance, that we should be showing students what we want them to be able to do, not just telling them. What are your thoughts?

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