FoggyRock General Forum

As a teacher I  really resent standardized testing.   I feel it tests  the wrong things, even in nt children.  In grade 3 it tests stamina and reading skills not comprehension...if they can make it through those tests they are doing well to  begin with...and then why do we need to compare children, what we are really trying to compare  is teachers isnt  it, and that  isnt really fair. They say funding isnt based on  these tests, but in some sneaky way it is..and they publish lists rating schools. I know they just want to make sure each child is  getting the same curriculum...however, the way we teach now is very different from the way we test. I use methods of teaching that address the way all my students learn - some kids are hands  on learners, some  auditory, some need to  write it down, etc...and  then they all have t o do  stupid written tests.....
i just feel for the kids

In 3rd and 5th grades students, at least in GA, must meet certain standards in order to pass!  Aaron is very smart and his teachers & support staff know he CAN do well, but the stress of it all is a bit much.  Last time he totally shut down and refused to take the test.

I agree it is wrong to pass or fail a child based on a standardized test.  It should be based on the whole picture especially when there are learning issues involved.  CA won't keep a child with an IEP back a grade.  At least that is what they told me when my son was out of school for 8 months and they still wanted to promote him.  I won that fight.