Madfloridian's Journal - Test sample from FL test in which the higher level example is wrong choice.

This is a very very long and thorough article from the Washington Post Answer Sheet. The article is well worth a thorough read.

The article tells how such high stakes standardized tests are affecting public schools. I am only quoting the part about one test item. It is an example of how easily a student who carefully considers all options and is well-prepared and knowledgeable...can get the wrong answer.

How standardized tests are affecting public schools

Which of the following is NOT a factor that makes tracking echidnas with radio transmitters challenging? (Use of NOT is a test-taking skill challenge) (stem)

A. Echidnas spend time in caves. (in passage practically verbatim)

B. Transmitters are difficult to attach. (distractor/enticer: extremely close to correct answer) (in passage practically verbatim)

C. Transmitters are difficult to acquire. (not stated in passage; do we need to comprehend to answer this or just know test taking skills?)

D. Echidnas are built low to the ground. (in passage practically verbatim)

*bolded answer is the correct one (C)

Test items like that are on NCS Pearson's Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. These tests determine the future of the student, the teacher, and the school.

There is another question listed about the Echidna. It also has an answer correct according to Pearson, and one that is even more correct. As the article points out, students "who utilize higher-level thinking and have a higher-level understanding of mammals may pick" the one which requires such analysis. It would be counted wrong.