K-12 CURRICULUM

K-12 Curriculum

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of Applicability of SOL tests to the K-12 curriculum in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on SOL tests and its relation with K-12 curriculum. The research also analyzes many aspects of K-12 curriculum and tries to explore the impacts of high stakes testing, on-line assessments vs. paper and pencil, classroom computer-based accessibility, State of Virginia measurement of on-line testing outcomes by 2014-2015. Finally the research concludes with few recommendations and limitations of such learning systems.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Discussion5

High stakes testing5

On-line assessments vs. paper and pencil6

Local Level6

State Level6

Virginia Standards of Learning Assessment Program7

State “Race to the Top Assessment Program” Consortia7

National Level7

Hardware Infrastructure8

Higher Education Admissions8

Classroom computer-based accessibility10

State of Virginia measurement of on-line testing outcomes by 2014-201513

Conclusion13

References15

K-12 Curriculum



Introduction

The school system in the United States is due to the federal form of government a matter for the states, so that there is a wide variety of arrangements. Major decisions are made at the local level of school districts, so that even within individual states, for example, the grades divided differently from place to place (Jackowski & Akroyd, 2010). Additional diversity or complexity of the American school system owes to the fact that there is a very extensive network of private institutions alongside the public schools. K-12 is the largest online education provider in the United States. It provides various online educational courses from kindergarten (K) to grade 12 (12), hence the name K-12. K-12 is a leader in online education and is considered pioneers in the field. The two factors that make K-12 outstanding within the education realms are the development of their own curriculum and the commitment towards providing education for every child. The learning facilities that are provided to individuals are customized to each child's needs (Schumacher, 2011). The online school provides interactive online and hands-on offline educational courses to a wide variety of students. Performance appraisal, staff development, induction and organizational development within the organization are especially important for the service that is being provided. K-12 places special emphasis on the quality of education that it offers and aims to establish practices that ensure optimal organizational development so that each student progresses through its name and becomes a positive contributor to the society.

Discussion

High stakes testing

Since the Education Reform Act of 1993 became law in Massachusetts, many education experts have finally admitted to the futility of having high-stakes testing as the dominant factor in a child's education. High-stake exams, such as MCAS, have resulted in cheating and a narrowing of the curriculum. The so-called under performing schools -- whose overwhelming majorities of students are poor, non-English speaking, homeless or transient -- are being evaluated on the basis of a single high-stake exam (Quillen, 2010).

Charter school proponents are continually making claims that these schools are a superior alternative to our regular public schools. The recent "60 Minutes" telecast of a charter school gave such an impression. It is another example of the corporate world "pushing the button" to expand the number of charter schools. They claim because of autonomy, innovation, choice, responsiveness ...