Best locations for investing in commercial property in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on September 3, 2024 by dayat

As the focus shifts towards Best locations for investing in commercial property in 2024, readers are invited into a realm of informed insights, ensuring a captivating and original reading experience.

The following paragraphs delve into the specifics of this topic, offering a clear and detailed overview.

Standardized Tests

Standardized tests play a crucial role in influencing commercial property investments. Investors often look at standardized test scores as a key indicator of the quality of schools in a particular area, which can have a direct impact on property values.

By understanding the relationship between standardized test scores and property value trends, investors can make informed decisions when considering where to invest in commercial real estate.

Impact of Standardized Test Scores on Property Values

Standardized test scores are often used as a measure of the overall quality of education in a specific neighborhood or district. Higher test scores are typically associated with better-performing schools, which can attract families looking to move to an area with top-rated educational opportunities for their children.

As a result, properties located in areas with high standardized test scores tend to have higher demand, leading to increased property values.

Strategies for Leveraging Standardized Test Data

Investors can leverage standardized test data by conducting thorough research on the performance of schools in the areas where they are considering investing. By analyzing test scores over time and comparing them to property value trends, investors can identify opportunities for potential growth and profitability.

Additionally, investors can use this data to target areas with improving test scores, as these may be indicative of upcoming increases in property values.

Commercial Property

Best locations for investing in commercial property in 2024

Investing in commercial properties can be a lucrative venture in 2024, offering various types of properties to choose from. Each type comes with its own set of risks and benefits, making it essential for investors to carefully consider their options before making a decision.

Types of Commercial Properties

  • Office Buildings: These properties can provide stable long-term income through lease agreements with businesses.
  • Retail Spaces: Investing in retail spaces can offer a higher return on investment, especially in prime locations with high foot traffic.
  • Industrial Properties: Warehouses and manufacturing facilities can be a profitable investment, catering to the growing demand for logistics and storage space.
  • Multi-Family Residential: Apartment buildings and multi-family units provide a consistent rental income stream, making them a popular choice for investors.

Risks and Benefits of Different Types of Commercial Properties

When it comes to investing in commercial properties, each type carries its own set of risks and benefits:

  • Office Buildings: Benefits include long-term lease agreements with stable tenants, but risks may arise from economic downturns affecting businesses.
  • Retail Spaces: High returns are a benefit, but the risk lies in fluctuations in consumer spending and changing retail trends.
  • Industrial Properties: Demand for logistics space is a benefit, but risks include changes in supply chain dynamics and economic factors impacting industrial sectors.
  • Multi-Family Residential: Benefits include steady rental income, but risks may arise from tenant turnover and maintenance costs.

Successful Commercial Property Investment Strategies

Successful investors often follow specific strategies when investing in commercial properties:

  1. Location is Key: Investing in prime locations with high demand can lead to higher rental income and property value appreciation.
  2. Diversification: Spreading investments across different types of commercial properties can help mitigate risks and ensure a balanced portfolio.
  3. Due Diligence: Thoroughly researching market trends, property condition, and tenant profiles is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
  4. Long-Term Vision: Adopting a long-term investment approach can yield greater returns as property values appreciate over time.

Condominiums

Investing in condominiums as commercial properties has become a popular trend in the real estate market. Condominiums offer unique advantages compared to other types of commercial properties, making them an attractive option for investors looking to maximize their ROI.

Current Market Trends

Condominiums are in high demand due to their flexibility and convenience, especially in urban areas where space is limited. The trend of mixed-use developments incorporating commercial spaces within residential buildings has further increased the appeal of investing in condominiums. As more people seek live-work-play environments, the demand for commercial condominiums is expected to rise.

Advantages of Investing in Condominiums

  • Condominiums offer a lower barrier to entry compared to traditional commercial properties such as office buildings or retail spaces.
  • Higher rental yields can be achieved with condominiums, especially in prime locations where demand is high.
  • Condominiums provide diversification in a real estate portfolio, reducing risk compared to investing solely in one type of commercial property.
  • Flexibility in leasing options allows for shorter lease terms and potential for higher rental rates in a rapidly changing market.

Maximizing ROI Tips

  • Location is key – invest in condominiums in high-growth areas with strong demand for commercial spaces.
  • Consider the amenities and facilities offered in the condominium building to attract tenants and increase rental rates.
  • Stay informed about market trends and regulations affecting condominium investments to make strategic decisions.
  • Regularly review and adjust rental rates based on market conditions to maximize income from your condominium investment.

Foreclosures

Foreclosures can offer unique investment opportunities in the commercial property market. When a property is foreclosed, it typically means that the owner has defaulted on their mortgage payments, and the lender has repossessed the property. This can result in the property being sold at a lower price than its market value, presenting a chance for investors to acquire commercial real estate at a discounted rate.

Key Considerations when Investing in Foreclosed Commercial Properties

Investing in foreclosed commercial properties requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure a successful and profitable venture. Some important considerations include:

  • Conducting thorough research on the property’s condition, location, and market value to assess its potential for profitability.
  • Understanding the legal and financial implications of purchasing a foreclosed property, including any outstanding liens or debts attached to the property.
  • Working with experienced real estate professionals, such as appraisers and attorneys, to navigate the complexities of buying a foreclosed property.
  • Developing a solid investment strategy and budget to account for any necessary renovations or repairs needed to make the property marketable.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Investing in foreclosed commercial properties carries certain risks that investors should be aware of and take steps to mitigate. Some potential risks include:

  • Hidden costs or unforeseen repairs that may arise after purchasing the property.
  • Delays in the foreclosure process or legal challenges that could prolong the time it takes to acquire the property.
  • Market fluctuations that may impact the property’s value and potential for profitability.

To mitigate these risks, investors should:

  • Conduct a thorough property inspection and assessment to identify any potential issues or hidden costs.
  • Work closely with legal professionals to ensure a smooth and efficient foreclosure process.
  • Diversify their investment portfolio to reduce the impact of market fluctuations on any single property.

Green Real Estate

Investing in environmentally sustainable commercial properties, also known as green real estate, has become a growing trend in the real estate market. As more emphasis is placed on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, investors are seeing the benefits of incorporating green features into their properties.

Not only does this help the environment, but it also offers financial advantages in terms of ROI and market demand.

Benefits of Investing in Green Real Estate

  • Increased property value: Green buildings are often more attractive to tenants, leading to higher occupancy rates and increased rental income.
  • Cost savings: Energy-efficient buildings can result in lower utility bills, reducing operating expenses for property owners.
  • Government incentives: Many governments offer tax credits or other incentives for investing in green real estate, further boosting ROI.
  • Improved marketability: Green features can set properties apart from competitors, appealing to environmentally conscious tenants and investors.

Examples of Successful Green Real Estate Projects

  • One Bryant Park, New York City: This LEED Platinum-certified skyscraper is a prime example of a successful green real estate project, with features like a high-efficiency HVAC system and a green roof.
  • The Edge, Amsterdam: This innovative residential building produces more energy than it consumes, thanks to solar panels, wind turbines, and other sustainable technologies.
  • Pixel Building, Melbourne: Known as one of the greenest buildings in Australia, the Pixel Building showcases sustainable design elements like rainwater harvesting and passive solar shading.

Home Staging

Home staging plays a crucial role in commercial property investments as it can significantly impact the property’s appeal to potential buyers or tenants. It involves preparing and presenting the property in a way that showcases its full potential and helps to create a positive first impression.

Importance of Home Staging

  • Enhances the property’s overall appearance and attractiveness, making it more appealing to potential buyers or tenants.
  • Helps potential buyers or tenants envision themselves in the space, leading to increased interest and faster sales or rentals.
  • Creates a competitive edge in the market by setting the property apart from others and potentially increasing its perceived value.

Tips for Effective Home Staging

  • Declutter and depersonalize the space to allow potential buyers or tenants to imagine themselves in the property.
  • Highlight the property’s best features through strategic placement of furniture and decor to maximize space and functionality.
  • Ensure proper lighting and cleanliness throughout the property to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
  • Consider hiring a professional stager to help showcase the property in the best possible way and attract more interest.

Impact on Property Value and Investment Returns

  • Well-staged properties often sell or rent for higher prices compared to unstaged properties, maximizing investment returns.
  • Increased property value due to improved presentation and appeal can lead to better long-term returns on investment.
  • Shorter time on the market and higher buyer or tenant interest can result in quicker transactions and improved cash flow.

Investing

Investing in commercial properties can be a lucrative venture, but it’s important to consider key factors before making any investment decisions. Factors such as location, market trends, and property condition can greatly impact the success of your investment. Additionally, understanding different investment strategies and how economic factors can influence commercial property investments is crucial for maximizing returns and minimizing risks.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Location: The location of a commercial property plays a significant role in its potential for success. Factors such as proximity to amenities, accessibility, and local market demand should be carefully considered.
  • Market Trends: Keeping an eye on market trends and forecasts can help you make informed decisions about when and where to invest. Understanding supply and demand dynamics in the market is essential.
  • Property Condition: Assessing the condition of the property, including any necessary repairs or renovations, is important for estimating potential costs and returns on investment.

Comparison of Investment Strategies

  • Long-Term Leasing: Investing in commercial properties for long-term leasing can provide a steady income stream and potential appreciation in property value over time.
  • Property Flipping: Property flipping involves buying a property, making improvements, and selling it quickly for a profit. This strategy requires a good understanding of market trends and property values.
  • Development Projects: Investing in development projects can yield high returns but also comes with higher risks. It’s important to conduct thorough market research and feasibility studies before embarking on a development project.

Impact of Economic Factors

  • Economic factors such as interest rates, inflation, and employment levels can significantly influence the performance of commercial property investments. Understanding how these factors impact the market can help investors make better investment decisions.

  • Changes in economic policies, government regulations, and global economic conditions can also affect the overall investment climate for commercial properties.

  • Being aware of economic indicators and market trends can help investors anticipate potential risks and opportunities in the commercial property market.

Marketing

Effective marketing strategies play a crucial role in attracting tenants or buyers to commercial properties. Utilizing digital marketing and social media can significantly enhance the visibility and reach of commercial properties in the market. Here are some tips for creating compelling marketing campaigns to showcase commercial properties.

Utilizing Social Media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter provide excellent opportunities to showcase commercial properties to a wide audience. Engage with potential tenants or buyers by posting high-quality photos, videos, and virtual tours of the properties. Interact with followers, respond to inquiries promptly, and utilize targeted advertising to reach the right audience.

Professional Photography and Videography

Invest in professional photography and videography services to capture the essence and unique features of the commercial properties. High-quality visuals can make a significant impact on potential tenants or buyers, enticing them to learn more about the property. Utilize these visuals across all marketing channels, including social media, websites, and online listings.

Virtual Tours and 3D Renderings

Offering virtual tours and 3D renderings of commercial properties can provide a realistic and immersive experience for potential tenants or buyers. This technology allows them to explore the property from the comfort of their homes or offices, making it convenient for them to assess the space before scheduling a physical visit.

Virtual tours can set your marketing campaigns apart and attract more interested parties.

Email Marketing Campaigns

Develop targeted email marketing campaigns to reach out to potential tenants or buyers who have shown interest in commercial properties. Provide them with relevant information, updates on new listings, and exclusive deals to keep them engaged. Personalize the emails based on the recipient’s preferences and previous interactions to increase the chances of conversion.

Collaborate with Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Partnering with experienced real estate agents and brokers can expand the reach of your marketing campaigns and attract qualified leads. These professionals have access to a network of potential tenants or buyers and can help promote the commercial properties effectively.

Collaborate with them to leverage their expertise and resources in marketing the properties.

Mortgage Refinance

When it comes to commercial property investments, mortgage refinancing can be a strategic move to maximize returns and optimize financial opportunities. Refinancing a commercial property loan involves replacing an existing mortgage with a new loan, typically with better terms and conditions.

In the current market, there are several benefits to consider when exploring the option of refinancing a commercial property mortgage.

Benefits of Refinancing in the Current Market

  • Lower Interest Rates: Taking advantage of lower interest rates can lead to significant cost savings over the life of the loan.
  • Improved Cash Flow: Refinancing can help lower monthly payments, freeing up more capital for property improvements or other investments.
  • Access to Equity: Refinancing allows property owners to access equity built up in the property, providing funds for expansion or renovations.

Indicators for Refinancing Timing

  • Decrease in Interest Rates: A substantial drop in interest rates compared to when the initial loan was taken out can signal a good time to refinance.
  • Property Value Appreciation: If the value of the commercial property has significantly increased, refinancing can help leverage this equity for better loan terms.
  • Improvement in Credit Score: An improved credit score can qualify for lower interest rates and more favorable refinancing options.

Risks and Rewards of Mortgage Refinancing

  • Risks:

    Prepayment Penalties: Some lenders may charge prepayment penalties when refinancing, which can offset potential savings.

    Extended Loan Terms: Extending the loan term through refinancing can result in higher overall interest costs, even with lower monthly payments.

  • Rewards:

    Cost Savings: Lower interest rates and reduced monthly payments can lead to significant cost savings over time.

    Increased Cash Flow: Improved loan terms can free up more cash flow for property improvements and other investments.

Moving Relocating

Relocation trends play a significant role in shaping the demand for commercial properties in various locations. Understanding these trends and their impact is crucial for investors looking to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market. Here, we will explore key factors to consider when investing in commercial properties in areas experiencing population shifts and provide insights on how to take advantage of moving and relocating trends.

Impact of Population Shifts on Commercial Properties

  • Population Growth: Areas experiencing population growth tend to have increased demand for commercial properties such as office spaces, retail stores, and restaurants. Investing in these locations can lead to higher rental yields and property appreciation.
  • Demographic Changes: Changes in demographics, such as an influx of young professionals or retirees, can impact the types of commercial properties in demand. Adapting to these changes can help investors stay ahead of the curve.
  • Infrastructure Development: Relocation trends often coincide with infrastructure development projects. Investing in commercial properties in areas with upcoming transportation upgrades or new amenities can lead to higher property values.

Capitalizing on Moving and Relocating Trends

  • Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify areas experiencing population shifts and understand the potential demand for commercial properties in those locations.
  • Networking: Build relationships with local real estate agents, developers, and other industry professionals to stay informed about upcoming relocation trends and investment opportunities.
  • Diversification: Consider diversifying your commercial property portfolio across different locations to mitigate risks associated with localized economic changes.

Property Management

Effective property management is crucial for the success of commercial property investments. It involves overseeing the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and financial aspects of a property to ensure it generates maximum returns and maintains high tenant satisfaction.

Importance of Effective Property Management

  • Regular maintenance and repairs: Proper maintenance of the property can help prevent costly damages and ensure a safe and attractive environment for tenants.
  • Financial management: Efficient budgeting and financial planning are essential to ensure the property operates within budget and generates optimal returns.
  • Tenant relations: Building positive relationships with tenants through effective communication and responsive management can lead to higher tenant retention rates.
  • Compliance and risk management: Staying up-to-date with regulations and ensuring the property is compliant can help mitigate risks and avoid legal issues.

Best Practices for Managing Commercial Properties

  • Regular property inspections to identify maintenance needs and address them promptly.
  • Effective communication with tenants to address their concerns and maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
  • Implementing sustainable practices to reduce operating costs and attract environmentally conscious tenants.
  • Utilizing technology for efficient property management, such as property management software for tenant portals and maintenance requests.

Role of Property Management Companies

  • Professional property management companies can take the burden off property owners by handling day-to-day operations, tenant relations, and maintenance tasks.
  • They have expertise in managing commercial properties and can implement best practices to maximize ROI and tenant satisfaction.
  • Property management companies can also help enhance the value of commercial properties through strategic planning, marketing, and tenant retention strategies.

Closing Summary

Best locations for investing in commercial property in 2024

In conclusion, the discussion encapsulates key points and leaves readers with a thought-provoking summary to ponder upon.

Q&A

What factors should I consider when investing in commercial properties in 2024?

Consider factors like location trends, market demand, and economic stability before making investment decisions.

How can I maximize ROI when investing in condominiums as commercial properties?

To maximize ROI, focus on location, amenities, and market demand when investing in condominiums.

Are there specific strategies for investing in green real estate properties?

Strategies include investing in eco-friendly features, marketing the sustainability aspect, and targeting environmentally conscious tenants or buyers.

What role does effective property management play in successful commercial property investments?

Effective property management ensures proper maintenance, tenant satisfaction, and overall value enhancement of commercial properties.

How can relocation trends impact the demand for commercial properties in certain areas?

Relocation trends can influence demand based on population shifts, job opportunities, and infrastructure development in specific locations.

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Standardized Testing Debate

Posted on March 12, 2021 by dayat

The standardized testing debate is ongoing. Teachers teaching to the state test is commonplace nowadays. Although test scores may be improved, it is what is not tested that is excluded from lesson plans, despite its importance. Every year children are required to take end of level testing in order to move to the next grade. The No Child Left Behind law focuses on helping children to move to the next level of learning if they pass the test. Part of the standardized testing debate is that the test is designed to take learning from the entire school year and to evaluate how the students are performing. Unfortunately because these tests are being used to rate schools, many teachers have changed their teaching styles and they are now “teaching to the state test.”

The standardized testing debate concerns parents and educators who feel that teaching to the state test is a bad practice. However, there are a lot of teachers that will still teach this way in order to prevent their students from failing the test and to ensure the school maintains a high reputation. Teaching to the test often leads to meaningless test scores in some opinions while others say that students are not really learning and this teaching method actually has a poor effect on children.

There is pressure for teaching to the state test because the standardized tests are used to see if the students have learned enough at their level in order to move up. This pressure is part of the standardized testing debate The test can help to identify if there are problems like learning disabilities and it also aids teachers in creating better curriculum’s. However because teaching to the test often focuses on math and reading, many students aren’t learning about social studies, which is important to the standardized testing debate. Social studies is how a student will understand what the economy is all about. This particular subject focuses on the stock market, other cultures, and many other things that help children to become better citizens and to understand the world in which they live.

While some students will not have an impact from this teaching style, studies do show that low-income and minority-group students will suffer the most. These students often struggle in society to find a job or move onto secondary education as they have not been given a well-rounded education. These teaching methods are a key component to the standardized testing debate because it may cause students to fall behind their peers, being provided a “dummied-down” curriculum. Their fellow students on the other hand are given special privileges and often get put in “satellite” programs which helps them to read, investigate, think, and explore the world around them and progress rapidly in their education where they are selected for college scholarships.

The standardized testing debate concerns balancing accountability with fostering less tangible and testable qualities that are nevertheless quite crucial to society and education. Raising test scores and teaching to the state test has become such a pressure on educators that some are cheating to get their students to pass. This is one of the negative components of the standardized testing debate. Schools will change their curriculum and many of will use teaching to the test to simply drill content into the heads of the students. Teachers may narrow the curriculum to help students memorize certain facts instead of providing a well-rounded education. However there is another side of teaching to the test and the standardized testing debate. This side is used simply to help students see the format of the test so they are not as nervous about where they place their answers. In other words, such approaches acknowledge the importance of the standardized test by focusing on key organizational and procedural components, without allowing it to dominate instruction.

Is the United States making the right decision to focus teaching to the state test standardized testing? This is debatable as United States is actually the only economically advanced country to use such state tests. Other countries use performance evaluation methods that help to see their children’s real-work and many tests have been done to show that these students can actually outscore United States students.

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The Pros and Cons of Using Standardized Tests

Posted on February 12, 2021 by dayat

In 1996, the Ontario government enacted legislation requiring all students in grades 3, 6, and 9 in the province of Ontario to take mandatory standardized tests in reading, writing and math. The Ministry of Education uses these yearly tests to increase the quality of education in Ontario and to plan for future improvements. Each year the government spends $32 million to administer the tests and an additional $77 million to improve future test scores. While there is no merit pay connected to improved test scores in Ontario, schools feel a heavy pressure to continually improve their results.

Since the introduction of the tests, Ontario has had a great deal to celebrate. High school graduation rates have improved and the gap between students receiving special education supports and other students has been reduced. The results of immigrants who don’t speak English when they arrive in Ontario have also risen rapidly. The number of low-performing schools in the province has been reduced significantly and the overall performance of the almost 5,000 schools in the province has radically improved in reading and writing.

Since the introduction of the tests, Ontario also has a great deal not to celebrate. While elementary reading and writing scores have climbed, math scores have not. In fact, the overall performance in math has consistently and significantly declined for the past five years. There’s also a growing slippage between students in Grades 3 and 6; nineteen percent of students who met the standard of 75 percent in grade 3 did not meet it in Grade 6. Ontario’s math performance is on the decline as compared to other countries too; the overall average math score has decreased steadily by 16 points over the past nine years. These results come from the 2012 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) scores.

Some blame an underlying societal attitude for Ontario’s decreasing math scores, an attitude that says some students are good at math while others aren’t. Others say teachers aren’t as comfortable teaching math as they are teaching reading and writing. Others wonder if the declining math scores are the price Ontario has paid for a heavy emphasis by schools to drive up their reading and writing scores. Whether or not the latter is true, it begs an important question.

Has anything else suffered because of the push for improved test scores?

Ken Robinson, an internationally recognized leader in the development of education, creativity, and innovation says when we focus too much on test scores we ignore the development of important things like creativity, innovation, imagination, curiosity and effort.

These are required skills for our unknowable future and standardized tests measure none of them. Robinson says our “fast food” model of standardized education impoverishes the spirits and energies of our children. He believes that our current industrial educational model, based on conformity, needs to be replaced with a model using agricultural principles, where we create conditions under which children flourish through personalized, and not standardized, curriculum. Robinson says that we are still “hypnotized” by many of the ideas that were formed in previous centuries and standardized testing is one of them.

Standardized tests were first used in China. They were designed to help the state select the best candidates to work for the bureaucracy as administrative officials. Standardized tests were introduced to Britain in the early 19th century because it was feared that the British Empire would collapse if the tests weren’t implemented. The standardized testing movement spread to North America during the Industrial Revolution. Western academics had preferred to use essays to assess their students (this philosophy was inherited from Ancient Greece) but student numbers increased when education became compulsory, making the essay more challenging to mark due to increased volume.

While standardized tests can and do provide important data to help support and improve education, we encounter problems when the tests become more than a tool of education and turn into the focus of education. This is what is currently happening in Ontario.

John Hattie, director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute at the University of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, says that we put too much focus on attainment (marks, grades) and we spend too much time comparing kids to an established standard. Instead, we should pay more attention to individual growth by measuring where each child is in his or her current learning, compared with past learning.

Andy Hargreaves and Dennis Shirley, professors of the Lynch School of Education at Boston College write that standardization has “dumbed down our curriculum” and “burdened our schools with bigger government and overbearing bureaucracy.” They say that, as a result, Ontario schools cannot adapt flexibly to the future. Hargreaves and Shirley believe that our future depends on developing the “present and future capacities” of our kids and we should do this through mindful teaching and learning.

What does mindful teaching and learning look like? It’s a balanced approach that teaches kids to reconstruct what they have observed and experienced using both logic (through words) and feelings (through art). Mindful teaching and learning teaches kids to communicate in a variety of ways; to think critically and to solve problems. Mindful teaching and learning gives teachers and schools greater autonomy, flexibility, and creativity in meeting the needs of their students and communities. It allows and encourages kids to think and act independently and to question the world around them. Mindful teaching and learning personalizes the curriculum for students, it emphasizes focus and concentration, effort over achievement, growth over attainment, and cooperation over competition.

In Ontario today, we have arguably one of the most sophisticated systems of education in the world. We’ve made incredible gains through the use of standardized testing, but we’ve also got some serious deficits to overcome.

Standardized testing, considered to be the main route to school improvement, has its limits and it’s time to recognize that. It’s a tool that was designed centuries ago and it has been a useful way to improve our factory production model of education. But if we want to create an educational system that is able to adapt flexibly to the rapid changes ahead, we’ll have to rethink the way we use standardized tests.

Hargreaves says that statistically valid sampling is the way to go. This means using standardized tests on smaller numbers of students by gathering random samples, instead of testing every student. Hargreaves says standardized testing is “firmly in retreat” in the United Kingdom, Alberta and Nova Scotia, because it’s “just not worth it” in terms of return on the investment.

He argues that governments that retain and promote testing by census, which is what we currently do in Ontario, will increasingly find that they are no longer leading school reform, but they are bringing up the rear. He says we must push beyond standardization and data-driven decision making, and release teachers from tight government control, to bring passion, joy, creativity, inspiration and innovation back into teaching and learning.

If Ontario wishes to continue to lead school reform around the world, then the use of standardized tests will need to be reconsidered. A useful tool in the traditional world, they could easily become handcuffs in the modern

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Standardized Testing Vs Education

Posted on January 12, 2021 by dayat

For years our schools have been lagging behind other countries. Many students enter our colleges without the skills they need to succeed. In order to find the gaps in education educators came up with Standardized testing. Used in that way it can be a very helpful tool. I interviewed to Kay Sibley who retired after 33 years in education, she said “For Standardized testing to work it has it has to reflect what’s taught in the classroom. The results of the tests have to be applied correctly and used to help the students.” Unfortunately it has become a way to penalize teachers and schools. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is one example of this. If students don’t do well on the standardized tests then the schools and teachers are held accountable. NCLB was supposedly written with the purpose of improving education and to find those kids who are slipping through the cracks.

The intent of NCLB was to both increase education standards nationwide and to standardize curriculum from state to state. The Federal government cannot control what states require their schools to teach but they can cut Federal funding for states that do not comply with NCLB. NCLB was based on a theory of outcome based education, which is a belief that the higher you set the standards and goals, the better your results will be. Part of the thinking behind this law was that poor performing schools were only failing because their standards were not set high enough. For example, a school set in a poor neighborhood is only failing because no one expects it to do well. NCLB doesn’t take into account any of the environmental influences on the kids in the low performing schools. NCLB was one of the driving forces that turned standardized testing into the disaster it has become, because creates an atmosphere where the results are not utilized to help the students succeed and it doesn’t take into consideration the amount of support students are receiving outside the classroom.

Many children receive little or no support at home. In the best of these cases the parents are working a couple of jobs or long hours so they don’t have the opportunity to help their children with school work. In many cases though, parents view all education as the schools responsibility so children start out behind. We see kids entering kindergarten that don’t know how to color, glue or use scissors. As these same children enter higher grades, they don’t have anyone to read to at home or to practice math facts with. Today’s children arrive at school without breakfast and often have not had enough sleep, which results in difficulty focusing on their schoolwork. I’ve even been told by 1st and 2nd graders that they had to stay up really late. I don’t know what the exact statistics are on hungry students but the number ranges somewhere between 16% and 40%. I am guessing that the huge discrepancy between figures is that the criteria of the studies vary greatly combined with the fact that parents are hesitant to admit that their children have to go to school hungry. However none of these facts are taken into account when it comes to standardized testing. This is important because if a child is sleepy or hungry, they are more easily distracted. It also takes them longer to process the information and to answer the questions. They are also more likely to make mistakes or misread the questions and answers on the tests.

Teachers with years of experience are having a difficult time keeping up with all the changes and the accelerated pace that all of these standardized tests create so how can we really expect for kids to cope? If they are a child who is running on empty because of lack of sleep or food, then it becomes close to impossible. Heaven help them if there is a learning disability thrown into the mix. In my interview with Mrs. Sibley she stated “More students need accommodations than are getting them. To give a standardized test to some students is insane. Because of the learning difficulties some the students have.” It’s true that states are required to give accommodations to students who qualify under modified learning plans but what about the child who has processing issues and is only a few points away from qualifying for special education. These are the students that really need extra support but because of lack of funding and lack of staff there are only so many kids who can be caught in the special education net. We should be eliminating the costs of standardized testing and using those funds to support our students instead.

There are so many students who should be receiving extra help but they fall just above the minimum to be eligible to receive this help. They are left to take the tests on their own. These are the same students that teachers desire to have more time with but because they have to get the class ready for the standardized tests they have to push on to make sure they have taught all of the material that will be on the standardized tests. This is another way that standardized testing is harming our children’s education. It forces teachers to move on even though they know that their students have gaps in their understanding. They essentially find themselves ‘teaching to the tests’.

The initial argument against NCLB was that teachers would wind up ‘teaching to the test’, which essentially means that students would be taught according to what is on the test. At first glance that may sound like a good thing; people think that it means that their students are being taught everything they need to know at each grade level. What it really means is that students aren’t receiving a well rounded education. There aren’t as many enrichment topics being taught. Frequently it leaves little or no time for teachers to explain to students how the material applies to the students lives. Unfortunately, the initial argument against statewide standardized tests has been validated, teachers tell me all the time that they feel like they are ‘teaching to the test’ and they don’t really feel like they are allowed enough time to effectively teach each subject.

Since standardized testing has become the driving force behind teaching, one of the teachers I work with told me that teaching has become more and more difficult each year. Teachers feel like they are teaching to the tests and there are many. This lowers the morale of the teachers as well as the students. It also creates a huge amount of anxiety for students who don’t feel that they are good test takers. People are starting to call standardized tests, ‘high stakes tests’ because in some states, students have to pass a test to move on to the next grade or to graduate. Unfortunately many schools are so strapped financially that they don’t have the funds to address the inequalities that are affected by funding and they are so busy keeping up with the tests that they don’t have time to address the inequalities that don’t require funding.

Because of standardized testing children are no longer receiving a cohesive education. Students are inundated with information that seems disconnected. Children are essentially being given all the puzzle pieces, but they are not given any instruction as to how to assemble the pieces. There is no real sense of how to apply what they are learning. If what they are only learning what they need to pass all of the standardized tests then how are these kids going to be equipped to face a future that’s based on applied knowledge?

In an effort to improve test scores quickly, curriculum changes constantly. School Administrators are trying to find the secret formula because they are pressured to show instant results. The way my younger son was taught math two years ago was different than the way he was taught math last year. So kids not only have to learn each subject, they have to change the way they think about that subject and they have to answer each question according to the new rules. All of this takes away from kids having a chance to really absorb the meat of the subject and see how it all fits together. You learn everything quickly so you can spit it out on a test and then pass on to the next thing without really grasping the concepts. The school day is now so fast paced that the teachers are forced to move on to the next section of learning, even if their students really need them to spend more time on the current portion of curriculum. Teachers are forced to move so quickly, students are expected to learn math facts in a fraction of the time that used to be allowed. I know many third grade students that have a hard time adding something as simple as seven plus five. Those that can add numbers written on a page can’t necessarily add two nickels and two pennies. The information is disconnected. Instead of preparing for tests the teachers should be allowed to teach the basics that our kids need to know to function in society.

The result of this lack of a deeper understanding is starting to be seen in high school students today. Test scores nationwide are improved at the elementary school level but by the time these kids reach high school, the scores are actually dropping. “We are ending up with kids in upper-level math courses who do not know how to add, subtract or divide unless they use a calculator and who are lost when it comes to fractions.” (Welsh, 2008) This is a sad fact since another reason for all of this standardized testing is to ensure that our students know what they need to know to do well in college. If you can only read at an eighth grade level or you can only do simple math then how are you going to get into college and if you do, how will you survive? Not only is the standardized testing not working, it’s taking away from our students really learning what they need to know to succeed in life.

Many people view the problems with education as belonging only to those who have kids in school so they tend to vote down any additional funding for schools. What many people seem to forget is that the students in schools now are going to be adults in the next fourteen years. If these students are under educated it will result in a larger burden on programs like public assistance or additional education through the employment agencies. We need to change our education system now. The money spent on standardized testing would be better spent on programs like afterschool tutoring, smaller class sizes and broadening special needs education to encompass all children who are struggling in school. It’s time to stop spending money and time on standardized testing which gives us a false sense of how our teachers are doing and start putting money and time into giving our students the best education possible.

Instead of all the standardized tests students are subjected to the teachers should be able to write their own tests based on the curriculum that students need to know at each grade level in order to have a strong educational foundation. The results of these tests need to be used to find out which students are lacking understanding and in what areas so that they can re-teach those concepts. Smaller class sizes would allow teachers more time to challenge advanced students and to help struggling students over the hurdles in front of them. Teachers should be allowed more flexibility to teach a more integrated curriculum so that students are able to see why fractions are important. They need to be allowed time to show children the wonder of literature instead of teaching them to decode small bits of information so that they can get the right answer on tests. If there was less money spent on standardized testing material then school districts might have the money for new technology, books and supplies for our classrooms.

Teachers need to be able to take the time necessary to build a strong foundation in learning in the earlier grades so that we are turning out well educated productive members of society. This includes more time for math facts, reading concepts, arts, sciences, social studies and even physical education. We need to get away from ‘teaching to the test’ and a use a format that helps students see how these things apply to their lives instead of just how it applies to a test. We owe it to today’s students as well as ourselves to do away with standardized testing and start focusing on teaching students what they need to know at each grade level so that they can enter college fully prepared to learn what they need to know to enter society on a solid foundation. We have to take action and start asking the

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Personalized Learning Paths and Adaptive Educational References

Posted on February 6, 2019 by dayat

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