New PARCC testing changes outlook on future online testing

Amy Deng • April 23, 2014

PARCC testing was first introduced in 2014. SHS has volunteered to try the field tests to experience the new test. Many people have given problems that have occurred during the test, raising questions as to think about if the PARCC test is the right choice for future testing. Photo Courtesy: Amy Deng — PARCC testing was first introduced in 2014. SHS has volunteered to try the field tests to experience the new test. Many people have given problems that have occurred during the test, raising questions as to think about if the PARCC test is the right choice for future testing.
Photo courtesy of Amy Deng.

SHS has begun a field test called PARCC that they hope will replace the OGT tests. They chose random classes to take the math and English PARCC tests that consisted of mostly freshmen and a few sophomores.

However, as the test taking continued, many glitches in the system were detected. For example, as a person was logging into their test, the computer would load for a long period of time and delay that person’s time to take the test.

“I personally thought that the test was pointless because some people sped through some of the questions, therefore not taking the test seriously,” said Jiho Choi, 9.

Online testing is used to conserve paper and be more efficient. The problem is, testing on the computer can create problems such as: battery losses, loading issues, and glitches.

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“I didn’t enjoy the testing part but I loved the pizza and the opportunity to mix up my school day,” said Caroline Veraldo, 9.

PARCC testing is a nationwide test where schools around the USA hope to be more productive with standardized testing.

“I thought that it was long and boring and I thought I was going to fall asleep,” said Elsa Benson, 9.

Many difficulties have been set forth during the testing causing speculation on if the tests are really the best choice for future testing.

About the Contributor

Amy Deng, Managing Editor

Hello! My name is Amy Deng and I am a senior at Sycamore High School. This is my fourth year on staff and I currently hold the position of managing editor for the print magazine, The Leaf. My job is to design the style sheet, mentor new students, and oversee the design process of the print platform. I enjoy writing articles on multiple genres, including feature, news, and sports. In particular, I work with several design programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to create pages and layouts for the Leaf. I joined journalism hoping to experience hands-on news coverage and to improve my writing skills. Over the years, I have grown to enjoy and value my experiences in the classroom. Through collaborating with other staff members, I have developed and improved my communication and leadership skills; and through working as a team, we have been able to produce an award-winning, student-run news magazine. I am excited for the new year and can’t wait to see what it holds! More about myself: I have always been involved with sports ever since I was a child. I participated in synchronized swimming for seven years and am currently a part of the school varsity swim team and during the offseason I am part of a club team, BASH. In addition, I have always been passionate about my cultural roots which is why I am the vice president of the Chinese Club. My role is to lead club presentations and organize bi-weekly activities. I also volunteer at Bethesda North Hospital as an escort where I discharge patients. Additionally, my favorite hobby is listening to music. I enjoy a wide span of genres and a few of my favorite artists include: Two Door Cinema Club, Mac Demarco, Beach House, Bon Iver, Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino, and Stevie Wonder. Quote to live by: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others” - Audrey Hepburn.