Over reliance on TAAS test scores is causing schools to place too much emphasis on test scores and not enough on education.

The Texas Assessment of Academic Skills, or TAAS test, is a standardized exam designed to improve the quality of education in Texas schools. Politicians claim this testing system is saving Texas schools.

But many Texas teachers feel the test hinders students instead of helping them. The results of the test can be devastating to students. If a student does not pass the high school level test, the student does not graduate, regardless of his or her classroom accomplishments and courses passed.

This is a tragedy for students who can read, write and perform well in class but who have problems taking standardized tests. These regulated tests often place a tremendous amount of pressure on students, causing test anxiety and poor performance.

TAAS test scores are used as the only means of monitoring the performance of teachers, principals, superintendents and schools. Test scores are also used to rate schools and school districts as acceptable, recognized or exemplary. School districts receive raises and funding for various programs based on how well the students in the district perform on the test.

Pressure to raise test scores by any means necessary has resulted in a well-rounded education being replaced by activities designed only to raise test scores.

TAAS has recently gained national recognition because scores on the test in most districts have been rising, especially among Hispanic and black students.

One of the inequities of this testing system is the way the scores are interpreted. Race and ethnicity of children are portrayed in such a way as to alert the public to inequalities.

Generally, the scores of Hispanic and black students are below those of many white students. But the scores do not reveal the degree of segregation, poverty levels, and number of Hispanic and black students actually graduating and going to college.

Some teachers support the test because they feel it holds teachers responsible for the success or failure of their students. They also believe the benefits of the TAAS test extend far beyond the monetary rewards given to the teachers and the school districts; it is the joy of knowing a student has succeeded.

Focusing on subjects tested on the TAAS test has reduced the time educators spend teaching other essential subjects, such as science, art and social studies, causing the quality of education to decline in Texas schools.

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