RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Something isn’t quite adding up with a number of North Carolina’s teachers.
Even though math is taught from a young age, many parents all around the state are struggling to keep up with what their children are learning in the classroom.
“Math has changed so much I’m at the point now I can’t even help my own son (with) his homework,” said parent Hudie Clinkscales.
Parents aren’t the only ones who seem to be having a hard time finding a solution to the way math is taught today.
Since 2014, North Carolina has utilized a Pearson general curriculum test model which was developed by Massachusetts educators.
“We’ve looked around at what tests are out there,” said North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Communications Director Drew Elliot. “What we’re really trying to do is find out what is the best predictor for how effective a teacher will be.”
There are calls to scrap the Pearson test all together after nearly 2,400 incoming teachers failed the state mandated test this year.
“Our goal isn’t to have a test that everyone can pass because that wouldn’t have any utility,” Elliot said. “Our goal isn’t to have a test so hard that only Ivy League graduates can teach in elementary school.”
The North Carolina Board of Education is expected to review the way teachers are tested during their January meeting. It is considering a change to a competing Praxis test.
“This won’t change anything about what students are learning in school,” Elliot said.
While it doesn’t change what students are learning, many parents say something doesn’t compute about the way their child is being taught.
“I think they need to have some remedial training or put a program in place for teachers to improve their math skills so they can properly teach,” Elliot said. “If they’re failing the test they’re really just making reference to study guides to teach our students.”
“The standard doesn’t need to drop,” said Duane Hollis. “If the standard for the teacher drops, then the standard for the kids drops.”
Pearson released a statement to News13’s sister station CBS 17 regarding their tests:
“Test scores required for passing are determined by the State and are informed by recommendations from North Carolina educators resulting from standard setting activities. Pearson offers free study materials for all educator licensure assessments to aid candidates as they prepare for the tests.”
Teachers currently have three years to pass the state test, or they’re out of a job.
North Carolina testing standards could be changed as early as February if approved by the Board of Education.
