News

Garfield teachers refuse to administer mandatory standardized test

SEATTLE — Teachers at Garfield High School are refusing to administer a standardized test that is required by the Seattle School District.


The teachers told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter David Ham that they don't have a problem with testing students, they just have a problem with one test: the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test.


Seattle Public Schools said the test is mandatory for all 9th graders.


The test is used to evaluate teacher accountability and student progress. However, the questions may not match school curriculum, and test results do not count toward graduation. Scores are not included on report cards.


"A lot of people just guess either way just to get done with it," freshman Jayden Lambrose said.


Teachers said that there is also a conflict of interest in giving the test.


According to a state audit the district bought MAP, under late superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson, from a company called NWEA for $400,000. Goodloe-Johnson was on the board of the company.


Seattle Public Schools said it was surprised by the teacher uprising against the tests.


Although the school system is evaluating the effectiveness of the test, it still expects all teachers to give the exams.


However, many teachers are carrying out their protest to the test, despite not knowing the consequences.


Seattle Public Schools said it's too early to say if the teachers who refuse to give the test will be reprimanded.