Hernando fourth-grader speaks out against new FSA testing VIDEO

baynews9 ^ | Ferdinand Zogbaum

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

BROOKSVILLE -- http://www.newsiosity.com/videos/society/4th-grader-voices-concerns-over-testing-school-board-video

A Brooksville Elementary student isn't happy with the new statewide testing in schools, and she's making her opinion known.

Sydney Smoot, 9, spoke Tuesday in front of the Hernando County School Board. She told school leaders that she's not happy with the new Florida Standards Assessments.

"I do not feel that all this FSA testing is accurate to tell how successful I am," she said in her speech.

WATCH: Sydney Smoot speaks out against standardized testing

The fourth-grader says the testing causes way too much anxiety for students.

"I just don't think it's fair because one test defines you as either a success or failure," Sydney said.

She also says she had to sign a form telling her not to talk about the testing with her parents. She felt the need to speak up.

"I just wanted to do it so that I would help a lot of people that are being forced to take the test," she said.

Sydney's mother helped a little with the speech but says most of it was her daughter, and that she is very proud of her.

"She's just a natural at it," Jennifer Smoot said. "I could never be that way, but I'm so blessed that she it."

Sydney said she's proud of herself, too.

"I felt proud of myself for taking a stand and standing up for all those students that had to take this FSA test."

[Bryanw92]

>>Gee! How did they ever manage to grow up to be competitive and successful adults without government imposed testing?

They were homeschooled. Duh.

But, not everyone is homeschooled. Most get their early education in the John Dewey Industrial Workers Training System known as public schools. Those kids do not get individualized education so they need testing.

[Chode]

guess they can't even trust the SAT's anymore

[Bryanw92]

>>Of course, the BEST answer is to get the government out of education altogether.

I agree. Make all education privately funded and accountable to the parents who pay for it.

[wintertime]

I guess they can't trust the SAT anymore.

Unless a student is a transfer student or already has a degree, applicants to our local community college must take placement tests.

I am a full-time student in Illustration at our local community college. I did not need to take any placement test because I already have an undergraduate degree.

[wintertime]

Of course, the BEST answer is to get the government out of education altogether.

Indeed!

This can't be said often enough. Personally, I think the tipping point has been reached. What employers will soon demand is certifiable evidence that certain skills have been attained and **not** diplomas or degrees. Much of this learning is now available on-line for free or very low cost.

[clee1]

Much of this learning is now available on-line for free or very low cost.

True. I have often thought that, the thinks that I really KNOW and value, are the things that I taught myself when I needed to know them; usually at minimal cost.