The cutting of state-mandated tests in writing and social science for Illinois high school students has caused uncertainty among NIU faculty.

The move, effective in 2006, will eliminate testing in subjects that fall outside the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which requires assessments in reading and math only.

“You hate to see anything being cut back as far as testing goes,” said Bob Burk, director of admissions at NIU.

Fewer state-mandated tests could have positive and negative effects on the education system, he said, depending on how each particular school district handles it.

“Schools might end up investing resources on what will be tested and what will look good for the school, while other areas may not be given full attention,” Burk said.

Ultimately, it will be the school district’s job to step up and make sure students are prepared in all areas of education, Burk said.

Michael Day, director of the First Year Composition Program at NIU, agreed.

“The level of NIU students’ preparation [in writing] will depend upon how much time secondary schools and language arts teachers choose to devote to writing instruction and practice,” he said.

Day said without the test driving the curriculum, students may be able to learn different writing strategies, not just one that impresses test graders.

“The ISAT writing test was never more than a test of speed writing,” Day said. “Test takers were trained to rely on overly formulaic structures and strategies for stating and backing up a claim quickly.”

Day said he is concerned schools might abandon adequate writing instruction altogether.

Linell Lasswell, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at DeKalb School District 428, said the district is taking steps to ensure that won’t happen.

“We are going to continue to have our own writing assessment in January,” Lasswell said. “We’re still obligated to teach students [writing and social science].”

The cuts in testing were basically done for financial reasons, Lasswell said, adding that the result of the action could be positive.

“This may help take some of the pressure off students and teachers who are overwhelmed [by the tests],” Lasswell said.