One poorly-worded question can throw test-takers off-track as they move through an exam, teachers and students say.
“If the mistakes happen early,” said Jonathan Halabi, a Bronx math teacher, “the distress caused to the student will last for the rest of the test.”
Even the youngest test-takers must fend for themselves when test questions go awry. Teachers, who usually coach their students through academic challenges, are told to keep silent during the test.
Problems with several questions struck Noa Rosinplotz, 12, in April when she took Washington, D.C.’s standardized tests for sixth-graders.
Directions for one question after a reading passage about Neil Armstrong were confusing. And a seemingly straightforward question about the definition of “chores” had two arguably right answers, she said. Other students had similar complaints.
She tried not to let the faulty questions faze her.
“I try to tell myself one wrong question is not going to kill you,” she said.
In an e-mailed statement, officials with the District’s Office of the State Superintendent — which is responsible for the exams — said they have a “rigorous” process for developing the tests. But they did not address Rosinplotz’s specific concerns.
Colorado teacher and parent Darciann Samples said the test questions she’s seen too often invite debate over the right answer. She has looked through old exams no longer in use and read aloud tests to special education students.
“You can talk yourself into two of the answer choices,” said Samples, who has taught in four states. “My husband and I will have conversations ‘Well, I think it’s this one,’ ‘That’s ridiculous!’”
Samples said that for her more vulnerable special needs students, the experience of taking a long and imperfect test is overwhelming.
“You’re sitting there with these kids, and they’re in tears,” she said. “By the end of the exam, they are melting down.”
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