Blog 11: Inquiry Project Progress

Blog 11:

My inquiry question, what role does testing play in the learning experience of English native speakers, has given me more insight into the world of teaching, and it has also taught me a lot about myself. As a future teacher, my goal is to provide my students with the tools and the opportunities necessary for them to achieve successful and fulfilling lives. This particular study has highlighted fundamental disadvantages that a large percentage of students must face in their struggle to achieve academic success. When accessing students’ academic success it is important to acknowledge the various causes of low test scores. In the case of limited English speaking students, this study has taught me that it is essential to evaluate beyond language proficiency and to examine all the factors that contribute to low testing results. When I first began this study, it’s fair to say that I was not properly classifying the student population as I should have been. My initial interpretation of an “English native speaker” was of a white student, and although I was conscience that this wasn’t always the case, I had the unconscious tendency to view students through this assumption. When analyzing the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA) test results, not only did my misinterpretation of the student population demographics become clearer to me, but I also began to realize that the test results revealed weaknesses in the entire student population, regardless of language proficiency.
During my walking observations, I instantly saw the impact that the predominately Latino community was capable of having on its students. When analyzing the HSPA test results and comparing them to the state standings, it became clear that the school system was in fact catered to the Hispanic majority. As an educator your hope is that your students will be prepared in enough to hold their ground when competing with students of other communities, however my study has demonstrated that this particular community is not at par with other communities statewide. This has made me more conscience of the level of achievement I, as an educator, should aim to promote in my students. This study has also shaped my understanding of public education in that I am now even more of aware of the various obstacles public educators must face. With regards to public education students, teachers must strive to motivate their students to achieve beyond the accomplishments that they and/or their communities have set. Similarly, public education educators must make every effort to encourage their students’ success despite shortcomings in the school system.