Ohio students are in the thick of state standardized testing. State tests are a crucial aspect of the educational system, designed to assess student learning and ensure educational standards are met. But for families who engage in virtual public schooling, these tests can introduce significant stress, hardship and logistical challenges.
While brick-and-mortar public school students often take these exams in a familiar environment, public eSchool students are forced to take the same exam in a completely unfamiliar environment, many times hours away from their homes. Many students enrolled in virtual programs may not know their testing surroundings or encounter familiar faces on test day. This lack of familiarity can lead to heightened anxiety and stress, negatively impacting performance. Test-taking in a new environment can be daunting, especially when compounded by the pressure of high-stakes assessments.
Moreover, the duration of state tests can be overwhelming for students. Many tests require students to spend several hours seated and focused compared to their brick-and-mortar counterparts who only take a small section of the test a day spreading it out throughout the week, which can be particularly challenging for younger learners. This extended testing time not only tests a student’s academic knowledge but also their endurance and ability to concentrate for long periods. The mental fatigue that results from lengthy testing sessions can affect performance and create additional stress for students who may already be anxious about the outcome.
Logistical challenges also play a significant role in the difficulties faced by virtual school families during state testing. Many families must travel considerable distances to reach testing sites, which can be both time-consuming and costly. For some families, parents may need to take time off work, resulting in lost wages and added financial strain. The necessity to transport students to tests can disrupt the entire family schedule, causing upheaval and stress for everyone involved.
Financial considerations are critical when discussing the impact of state tests on families. Some families may struggle to afford the extra fuel costs associated with traveling to testing locations. For those with only one vehicle, the situation is even more complicated. The breadwinner of the family often relies on that vehicle for daily commutes to work, making it difficult to allocate time and resources for test transportation. This situation can leave families feeling trapped, forced to choose between their financial responsibilities and their children’s educational requirements.
In addition to the logistical and financial challenges, smaller siblings can also contribute to the stress of testing day. Often, families with multiple children may find themselves in situations where younger siblings must accompany the older child to the testing facility. In environments that may not provide adequate space or entertainment for these younger children, boredom can lead to disruptive behavior. This situation can further complicate the testing experience, as parents must manage the needs and behaviors of multiple children in a high-pressure environment.
As we consider these challenges, it is essential to recognize that other states have begun to implement remote testing solutions. Full-time virtual public-school students in California, Idaho, Iowa and Oregon have all been permitted to take state-mandated tests remotely. Remote testing has the potential to ease many of the logistical issues that virtual school families encounter. High-stakes tests like the LSAT have already been successfully proctored online, demonstrating that it is possible to maintain the integrity of assessments while offering flexibility to students.
Ohio eSchool families and students are asking for the state to implement remote testing, allowing students to take assessments from the comfort of their homes or familiar environments, reducing stress and logistical burdens.
The impact of state testing on virtual school families is multifaceted, involving emotional, financial and logistical challenges. It’s crucial for educators and policymakers to acknowledge these issues and work toward solutions that support students and their families.
By considering alternatives such as remote testing, we can create a more equitable and less stressful testing experience for all students, ultimately enhancing their educational journey.
The News-Herald welcomes opinion column submissions so all sides of an issue may be aired. Cynthia Williams is president of Ohio Parents For Education Freedom. She lives in Painesville.
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