Testing Culture Adds To Teacher Worries

Before standardized testing ruled the classroom and pay increases were tied to test scores, teachers were under far less stress. Educators say the new emphasis on testing has changed their world, and stress inevitably has increased along the way. The rising pressure is fueled by ever-changing state education laws, which dictate strict regulations and guidelines that all 67 districts in Florida must follow and meet. Local teachers say state lawmakers have added so many new assessments over time that students spend far less time learning in the classroom.