98 Percent

[cfaughnan]

First of all, I don't agree with all of the standardized testing. I don't think states, governments, school boards, and sometimes even administration know what they're doing in making new lists of skills--Basic Competencies, Portfolios, NCLB, CCSS. I don't think the time spent on testing--and especially the time spent teaching testing--is worth the

Comments

What Students Need

[livejournal]

User wordsrmylife referenced to your post from What Students Need saying: [...] heartbreaking post on her blog. Please read it here: http://cfaughnan.livejournal.com/66704.html [...]

[madwriter]

I wish I'd read this 15 years ago. The state-mandated standardized tests were the biggest reason I ended up not becoming a teacher, even after getting certified K-12.

After a couple of years of getting firsthand looks at the problems with the tests themselves, including inconsistencies in what they were teaching, the last straw was my last few weeks of student teaching (in English). My supervising teacher was doing much the same as what you did. Long story short, he was told that we were "two weeks behind" and had to catch up. The other classes were "caught up" because they had completely ditched the literature book--in English classes!--and were doing nothing but give test-related tests and quizzes practically every day.

On the other hand, there's a good chance that the system where I did my student teaching wouldn't have allowed me to do what you did anyway.

[cfaughnan]

Sorry to hear that. It sounds like you would have been a good teacher!

I love this!

[anonymous]

Believing I was at a crossroads this school year, I was looking to get out of the classroom. Testing and data collection was driving me crazy. I love what I do, I love inspiring young minds and hearts. After coming to terms this year, that the testing is not going away anytime soon- I felt that this was their problem too...not mine. I cannot own that. Thank you for this! It was very affirming. I will continue to stay in the classroom for a bit longer. My kids deserve a teacher that believes in them, all of them!

Re: I love this!

[cfaughnan]

Thank you for teaching! Yay!

98 percent

[anonymous]

I agree with you and respect your teaching ability. How sad you had to retire. Our government is behind this cause though as they as so intrusive now. Much of the problem with our children comes from home however in my opinion. (I volunteered in a challenged population school for a few years and successfully fund-raised there for a new playground. ) Teachers cannot raise the children yet that's what their responsibilities have grown to now, just about. Schools have to feed children breakfast and brush their teeth. Many of my kids only meals were at school and this was not from a lack of money or foodstamps It's effort, time and care that were and are lacking. It's a massive problem and so hard to turn around. Besides food, shelter and a toothbrush they need care, encouragement, love and learning at home too.

Re: 98 percent

[cfaughnan]

Yes, kids come from a variety of caring and non-caring homes and that is a massive problem.

But I saw kids from horrible situations find a voice through reading and writing that gave me hope they would find a way through. We have to believe and care and encourage where we can.

English teacher from HK

[ext_2027674]

This is exactly what I want in my teaching, as well as learning :") I always questioned myself if it is worth teaching in this way. Well, your sharing has given me an answer. Thank you~