Outside Factors Affecting Testing: Is It Fair to Students? « Life Would Be More Interesting If Everyone Was Animated!
According to this article, a Michigan newspaper released two topics on the writing portion of the state tests given to students after a reporter came into a classroom during testing. The fifth and sixth grade students will be forced to retake that portion of the writing test with a new form.

 I would question how valid the results would end up being in this situation.  It is not fair [but then again, "fair" is a place a hog goes to win a ribbon], and I’m sure students would question why they are being “punished” by having to retake the test….if the topic is released after the fact, why not just use the new form the next school year?  Nothing has been compromised if the students have already tested.  It always amazes me how much security is placed on these tests….you’d think you were handling nuclear secrets or national defense strategies!  Almost makes me want to laugh …or cry… when I consider how much money the states spend on these tests!  Now, if we could invest that kind of money into actual teaching…how much more could be accomplished?