Reference no: EM133408284

Our department met yesterday to discuss the proposed language testing for all incoming students. The director and all language teachers were present, and the director began the discussion by announcing that he had budgeted $10 000 to purchase the test materials. It soon became clear that six out of eight teachers oppose standardized testing on the grounds that it creates a negative atmosphere in the classroom and causes unnecessary stress for students. They also argued that the test instrument is invalid; it tests vocabulary that our students never encounter and assesses reading ability on the basis of students' ability to recall factual information. More importantly, the test does not include a writing sample, which the teachers feel is the only reliable way to evaluate a student's writing ability. Despite their objections, the director will impose compulsory testing for all incoming students; in addition, he will institute exit testing within the next year. These unilateral decisions have created an atmosphere of resentment within the department, and the teachers will be seeing the academic vice-president next week. I will contact you after that meeting to inform you of the outcome.