Teaching to the Test

When I was in High School, SAT scores were of vital importance. I went to “prep” schools, which began preparing me for these tests in 7th grade. I sent my kids to schools that prepared them for the SATs and the ACTs, and offered AP classes. Detractors from this model of schooling rightly argue that the teachers are not offering a full spectrum of education, but are teaching to the test; they are teaching the students how to take the test and teaching only those things which are on the test.

While a valid argument, those tests are used to evaluate students, teachers and schools. We, as a society, have accepted the value system of the tests, so I wanted my kids to ace them. Even if you and your kids choose non-academic routes, there are still tests, and students need to prepare for them.

I recently spoke with a young adult who felt that the questions on the driver’s tests were not really relevant to good driving. Why did she have to learn that? Because she wanted to pass the test.

His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us. 2 Peter 1:3

Knowing the standards to which we’ll be held; knowing what those with more experience say is necessary for us to know; knowing what is on the test and how to take it – isn’t that extremely helpful?

There are all kinds of things I don’t know. Most of them, I don’t really care about knowing. Those questions aren’t on any test I’m taking. This is probably offensive to those of you who value the information I am disdaining, but there are probably things I know which you don’t know, things that are important to me.

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I Corinthians 2:2

It all depends on what test you are taking. It depends on who has developed the test; what they want you to know; what it takes to pass the test.

Some people want to pass a test of social importance, or wealth, or business success. Some want to pass a test of cultural knowledge, or fandom, or social media success. Whatever test we are trying to pass, my guess is that we are preparing for it. We are looking for teachers who can tell us what is on the test and how to take it, who will teach to the test.

Both I and my kids took SAT practice tests in Middle School. Many of the NFL players were in Pop Warner leagues. Travel teams are test prep for many successful athletes. High School sororities and fraternities prepare kids for social success. These practice tests teach us what is important to know, what we still need to learn, and how to improve.

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

In this season of Advent, this period of preparation for the coming of the Lord, I pray that we all find teachers who will “teach to the test” of faith in God: the Father, Son and Spirit. I pray we are ready for the test when it arrives. I pray God is preparing me and I am preparing myself for what lies ahead, the test I really want to pass.

In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith – being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. I Peter 1:6-7

God knows my name; I know He wants me to ace the test of faith. I pray I can make Him proud.

Betsy

p.s. It appears I have failed the technology test! I have just realized that I have not been posting my responses to your comments. I apologize. I have truly appreciated your comments and hope you continue to comment in the future. Now that I know how to post my responses, I will try to improve in this area. Please forgive what must have looked like unresponsiveness in the past. Thank you!