Well, we've started our TCAP intervention sessions during a seventh period. Our student's test scores were not what they need to be in order to receive federal dollars. Our kids don't know what they need to know to be successful. As their teachers and administrators, it is our job to make sure that they learn the skills that they need to go to high school, or college, or to work. Currently, our test scores say that most kids do not know what they need to, so again it is our job to make sure that they do.
I disagree with the philosophy of test scores tied to money. I have a problem with the way the tests are written and the limited areas of value (I would have LOVED to learn different things in school, but that is another post). I am sorry that teachers and students fear the test, analyze the test, discuss, emphasize, are threatened by the test.
On the other hand, our kids depend on us as the adults to teach them what they need to know. They believe us when we tell them they need to know something. They trust us. (For the most part they really do.)
Yesterday, I felt a tide of resentment and apprehension from teachers. I heard their complaints about teaching math to all of the kids at the same time of the day by unqualified teachers. I heard their distrust and doubt of the curriculum. Unfortunately, so did many of the kids. No matter if we agree with the powers that be, if we like the curriculum or agree with standardized tests in the first place, we owe it to the kids to still teach them. The hubby mentioned something this week that struck a chord. Only get upset about the things you can change, and make the best out of the rest. The curriculum decision has been made. The classes have been set. The ball has been put in motion. Complaining about the situation in front of the kids discredits the program and sabotages any chance of success. Our kids success. Your kids success. The soon to be adults that will run our society's success. They will only too soon start to realize that we don't have it all figured out and we don't even believe in our own system! Oh the paradox.
Many, many teachers are doing the right thing. They are discussing better ways. They are giving it a shot and hoping for the best. I contend that disgruntled teachers leads to disgruntled students and not the other way around. I am pretty sure that if WE approach this enthusiastically with purpose, high expectations, and passion, then our kids will be successful, make high test scores, and learn. I would bet that if our test scores were up, we'd have time to focus on other areas (art, music, heath, fitness, etc...)
On the other hand, our kids depend on us as the adults to teach them what they need to know. They believe us when we tell them they need to know something. They trust us. (For the most part they really do.)
Yesterday, I felt a tide of resentment and apprehension from teachers. I heard their complaints about teaching math to all of the kids at the same time of the day by unqualified teachers. I heard their distrust and doubt of the curriculum. Unfortunately, so did many of the kids. No matter if we agree with the powers that be, if we like the curriculum or agree with standardized tests in the first place, we owe it to the kids to still teach them. The hubby mentioned something this week that struck a chord. Only get upset about the things you can change, and make the best out of the rest. The curriculum decision has been made. The classes have been set. The ball has been put in motion. Complaining about the situation in front of the kids discredits the program and sabotages any chance of success. Our kids success. Your kids success. The soon to be adults that will run our society's success. They will only too soon start to realize that we don't have it all figured out and we don't even believe in our own system! Oh the paradox.
Many, many teachers are doing the right thing. They are discussing better ways. They are giving it a shot and hoping for the best. I contend that disgruntled teachers leads to disgruntled students and not the other way around. I am pretty sure that if WE approach this enthusiastically with purpose, high expectations, and passion, then our kids will be successful, make high test scores, and learn. I would bet that if our test scores were up, we'd have time to focus on other areas (art, music, heath, fitness, etc...)
Do I only get to comment? Or am I able to make an original post?
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