Stage Seven: a Continuation of and Response to Stage Five

The use of statewide standardized testing to determine funding allocation and alleged student proficiency creates disincentives for teachers wishing to develop unique and engaging learning experiences. In order to encourage individually tailored curricula without compromising the establishment of a minimum proficiency, emphasis should be shifted away from precise and unforgiving test scores, toward a method that takes the personal growth of students into account, such as a portfolio-based system. By collecting and comparing a student's work over the course of the year, teachers can determine whether the student has learned or improved enough to continue their coursework. Random samples of each teacher's pupils reviewed by state education officials would indicate comprehensive instruction or lack thereof; if students of a particular teacher consistently fail to show improvement, the teacher is placed under closer scrutiny. More funding can be allocated to schools with high rates of underperforming classrooms to help improve programs and prevent good teachers from leaving.