2.  Describe the audience for this piece.

The audience for this paper is made up of those who are advocates of proficiency testing and college entrance exams.  I believe that my audience has failed to look at ways that we can measure ability in our students outside of the realm of testing.  My audience, made up of both education researchers and legislators, is definitely concerned with the state of education in our public schools.  And I agree that they should be concerned.  However, these researchers and politicians have failed to consider alternatives to testing and are more concerned with money, numbers, and public image.  At times, it seems that these so called leaders are actually accountants:  bean counters and number crunchers.  The parents put a great deal of faith in these researchers and politicians and are often unaware of other perspectives on education. My audience is stubborn; they are of the mindset, “If these students would just focus and study, they could easily pass a test.” What they fail to understand is that the test is not a solution and could very well be part of the problem. I will have to use language that will invite my audience to read my paper and think about the issues I raise.  I can't use accusatory language that will isolate my audience.

 

4.  Describe your role in writing this piece?

I am a traditional age students who graduated from a rural Ohio public school. I almost wasn't accepted to college based on my ACT and SAT scores, but the open admissions policy of the Ohio State regional campuses allowed me to get my foot in the door. I struggled to pass high school proficiency tests, and there was serious concern at one point whether or not I was going to graduate. I had hoped to be the first member of my family to attend college, and a test was standing in my way. I excelled in many different academic areas and with may different skill sets that cannot be captured in a test score.  Also, I am very concerned with my peers who have been labeled "strong students" because of their text scores. They have memorized a great deal of information but cannot use that information to any significant end.  I feel I am invested in this argument because of my personal experiences.