Government

=The Government's Perspective= //(Please add a Pro or Con: edit the text by clicking the **Edit** tab in the top right corner, making changes on the page, and then clicking the **Save** button in the tool bar.)//

**Pros**

 * the most economical way, in terms of time and money, to collect data on student achievement (we spend billions of dollars on education, there needs to be some feedback on how well our money is being put to use)
 * if used correctly, opportunity to help schools in need
 * is an "easy" way to rate the education system without having to be involved in in-depth discussions around student needs and achievementis
 * is a way for the government to note large discrepancies between classroom marks and Provincial Exams (B.C.) and make inquiries

**Cons**

 * standardized testing is expensive
 * creates tension between teacher's union, possibly parents
 * the "top down" approach does not support collaboration or healthy relationships with educators. How can we move forward if all parties are moving in different directions?
 * the money spent on administering FSA's could be better spent to improve education and teacher professional development
 * Government officials are too far removed - not in "the trenches," so to speak