My Article: “Public Schools’ Annual Review” Published on Associated Content
Check out my recently published content on AC:
In this article I confront the state test as assessment for public school students and teachers. From the opinion of a teacher I challenge the notion of whether it can be an effective catch-all for our problems in education. I hope you’ll read it and offer your 2 cents.
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katelynjane
wrote,
Great article! I’m actually from a homeschooling family (I was on and off with HS but the younger kids were mostly HS’d) and totally believe that this is one of the biggest downfalls of the school system. It’s got tunnel vision and isn’t willing to mould to a child’s needs and strengths. Although, it does depend on the teacher and amount of kids in the class as well.
I used to hate testing. I would rather (and would have learned more!) write an essay than have the pressure of a test. Not one single test that I took, no matter my studying techniques, will show my true knowledge of the subject. Not a one.
Anyways (: good article!
katelynjane’s last blog post..Fuel My Blog!
Link | March 14th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Jessica The Rock Chick
wrote,
Great article, Damien! I’m not a teacher, but as a mom of 4, I’ve personally experienced my own kids’ different learning styles. My oldest does great on her homework and classwork, but for some reason scores very low on those standardized tests. I so think nerves play into it so she’s doing some practice work now before she takes the ACT. As much as I hate to say it, I don’t think she will get a grade on that test that will reflect her knowledge, intelligence or grades. Daughter #2 is the opposite. She’s very smart, but incredibly lazy about homework, projects and discussions about anything in school. Hand her a test, though and she will score off the charts. She’s always been this way. My son is dyselxic and has been working with reading assistants for several years now. While his grades are improving, he doesn’t score well on those tests either and I have no doubt that he knows the material.I don’t think those tests alone are adequate enough markers. The whole picture should come into play.
Jessica The Rock Chick’s last blog post..While Shivering In My Shoes
Link | March 14th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Damien Riley
wrote,
@Katelynn: Thanks for that comment. It sounds like you see this test as limited in its ability to assess. I wonder why it has so much economic power?
@Jessica: You know I admire your parenting … 4 sheesh! The special ed stuff you briefly hint at is really what makes this one test a poor indicator of all student achievement. But there are so many other problems with it. Of course, I am always trying to get my kids to score high, but at what cost?
Link | March 14th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Penelope Anne
wrote,
Excellent article, well written. We actually homeschool here and I keep meaning to research more that I heard about CA wanting to require Teaching Certificate’s for homeschooling parents out there. Listen to NPR often.
Penelope Anne’s last blog post..Photo Hunters ~ I Spy
Link | March 15th, 2008 at 9:37 am
beeker
wrote,
Great article. I got my degree in education and quickly learned that I wasn’t going to be teaching but doing crowd control and teaching how to take a multiple choice test. I decided not to teach. I felt I could help children by working in the non-profit world and concentrating on mentoring and after school programs. They are leaving every child behind as far as I am concerned.
beeker’s last blog post..Handclapping Fun
Link | March 15th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Maria Ozawa
wrote,
I came from Public Schools… and all I want to stress is that public or not, it all depends on the determination of the students to learn.
Link | March 19th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Damien Riley
wrote,
I’d concur with that.
Link | March 19th, 2008 at 7:31 am