English 571 Presentation II: A Look at Standardized Tests as Literacy Sponsors By: Jennifer Collar

What is a Literacy Sponsor? Those people/things that influence or affect our learning and access to both reading and writing Those “who turned up most typically in people’s memories of literacy learning: older relatives, teachers, priests, supervisors, military officers, editors, influential authors” (Brandt 26)

Why are our Sponsors of Literacy so Important? Brandt explains, “Sponsors run deep, affecting what, why, and how people write and read” (27). Our literacy sponsors can affect our success in life: – Our civil rights are protected through literacy – Wealthier people generally have more and better access to various literacy sponsors – EX: The success stories of Raymond Branch and Dora Lopez illustrates this (Brandt pgs )

Standardized Tests as a Literacy Sponsor? Standardized tests have become a literacy sponsor; this is a LOCAL issue, as it affects our students throughout Texas Standardized tests drive the curriculum, including how we teach reading and particularly writing Students are trained to write for the test, which in Texas is currently the TAKS test

What are the Results of Standardized Tests Becoming Such Powerful Literacy Sponsors? Literacy skills are actually diminished due to the narrowed scope of curriculum James Williams states that, “Although state curriculum standards and guides provide the framework for what teachers do in language arts classes, they commonly ignore writing requirements at university” (280). Students come to college unprepared for first- year composition courses, many landing in “basic writing” or “developmental” writing courses

History of Standardized Testing in Texas Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) , Very first MANDATORY standardized test in TX. Tested grades 3, 5 and 9 in reading, mathematics and writing. Texas Educational Assessment of Minimum Skills (TEAMS) , tested reading, mathematics, and writing for upper grade levels; administered to many grade levels, but high school juniors had to pass in order to graduate Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) , tested reading, mathematics and writing. Students had to pass to graduate OR pass state end of course exams. Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) 2003-Present; assesses mathematics, reading, writing, science and social studies; must pass to graduate State Assessment of Texas of Academic Readiness (STAAR)-to replace TAKS in the school year; must pass to graduate (“STAAR to Replace TAKS”)

Basic Writing Numbers on the Rise: Study of Paris Junior College Basic Writing Numbers “Basic English” was implemented at Paris Junior College in The course was “Designed for students with deficiencies in English usage as indicated on the ACT score or the English Placement Test Score.” Over the last eleven years, the percentage of students enrolled in basic writing continues to increase with each academic year. – In the academic year, 4.2% of enrolled students were identified as “basic writers.” – Remained at a steady average of about 4% from , but in the academic year, we saw a growth from 4% to 6%, one year after TAKS was implemented in the public school system. – In the academic year, 8.3 % of enrolled students were identified as “basic writers.”

Standardized Tests to Blame for the Increase? Certainly, there are a number of factors influencing the rise in numbers of basic writing students at PJC. The Romantic Rhetoric philosophy behind the TAKS composition, I argue, has contributed to this rise. Students know how to write a narrative essay, but when asked to write analytically, students struggle. This is a trademark of TAKS preparation.

The End! Thank you for viewing my presentation.

Works Cited “Basic English.” Paris Junior College: Catalogue Paris, TX: Paris Junior College, Print. Brandt, Deborah. Literacy and Learning: Reflections on Writing, Reading, and Society. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Print. Matthews, Beverly. Personal Interview. 26 Sept “STAAR to Replace TAKS.” Texas Education Agency. Texas Education Agency, Web. 26 September Williams, James D. Preparing to Teach Writing. Mahway, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 2003.Print.