Submitted by Tricia H. (not verified) on March 23, 2008 - 11:44.
Melissa,
Like you, I am in a district that has a focus on test prep but doing the test prep without actually teaching to the test, if that makes sense. We have implemented so many different programs to get the state and federally mandated test scores up that my urgency is just to get through what is expected of me and my students. And that is extremely sad! My daughter is now being exposed to that same thing and her love of school is diminishing at first grade. I cannot imagine what my fourth graders are feeling having been a part of this for their entire elementary careers! When I supplement "outside" the program, I feel that I'm doing something illegal in my classroom. In truth, some of my students are learning so much more that way than working only within the program. I have always felt like it was just my school/district but I glad to hear that it is not just where I am. Sometimes, I feel so alone in that sense. Thank you for your words.
Preparing for more than tests
Submitted by Tricia H. (not verified) on March 23, 2008 - 11:44.
Melissa,
Like you, I am in a district that has a focus on test prep but doing the test prep without actually teaching to the test, if that makes sense. We have implemented so many different programs to get the state and federally mandated test scores up that my urgency is just to get through what is expected of me and my students. And that is extremely sad! My daughter is now being exposed to that same thing and her love of school is diminishing at first grade. I cannot imagine what my fourth graders are feeling having been a part of this for their entire elementary careers! When I supplement "outside" the program, I feel that I'm doing something illegal in my classroom. In truth, some of my students are learning so much more that way than working only within the program. I have always felt like it was just my school/district but I glad to hear that it is not just where I am. Sometimes, I feel so alone in that sense. Thank you for your words.
Tricia H.