I just wanted to say that I truly dislike state testing. While I fully understand the merits behind the Iowa tests, Cats, or any other state test I believe that one test should not be weighed so heavily by education.
What if the student has a bad day?
What if the student can't concentrate?
What if something else is on their mind (i.e. a death in the family)?
What if the student "mentally shuts down" on tests?
There are TOO MANY what ifs. I understand that it is important to use the data to help guide curriculum, but I think it is more of a disservice to the students. Not to mention the overwhelming burden on the teachers' shoulders. Sometimes administration puts way to much pressure on his or her faculty to do well on standardized tests.
Guess why they put so much pressure on the teachers for the students to perform well?
Answer: MONEY (so that the school district can get more funding)
A few final thoughts:
I will continue to do my best as an educator and teach my students to the best of my ability. I will continue to develop professionally to help benefit my students. I will continue to strive for excellence--even on the state testing.
But--if a teacher is truly a good teacher, he or she should simply continuing doing what they are doing and STOP WORRYING about "teaching to the test."
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Deciphering Data
Does data drive educational decisions? If so, does it drive decisions on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? How should I use data in my classroom to be a more effective teacher?
While pondering these questions and others about data, I've come to the conclusion that data is an important facet in education. Most importantly is how I collect and utilize data to improve my classroom instruction.
There are a variety of methods I use to collect my data- observation, discussions, and tests are the most prevalent for me. At the start of the school year, I do not look at students files (unless there is a specific IEP, 504, or something urgent) to investigate. I like to formulate my own ideas about the capabilities and learning styles of my students. Obviously, after a few weeks I do a thorough investigation of the student files.
One of the new methods that I utilize is Learnia. Learnia is an online formative test from Harcourt that is aligned with the NJCCCS. The online test is designed to inform teachers which areas students excel and which areas need more focus. I find that the program is easy to use and the results help guide my future lesson plans. For example, recent results indicate that my students are weak in inferencing. Therefore, I've made multiple lesson plans focusing on that concept, and hopefully the next Learnia test will show improvement in that area.
One final thought: the debate over data will continue, and I fully plan on utilizing it to make my classroom more conducive to learning.
While pondering these questions and others about data, I've come to the conclusion that data is an important facet in education. Most importantly is how I collect and utilize data to improve my classroom instruction.
There are a variety of methods I use to collect my data- observation, discussions, and tests are the most prevalent for me. At the start of the school year, I do not look at students files (unless there is a specific IEP, 504, or something urgent) to investigate. I like to formulate my own ideas about the capabilities and learning styles of my students. Obviously, after a few weeks I do a thorough investigation of the student files.
One of the new methods that I utilize is Learnia. Learnia is an online formative test from Harcourt that is aligned with the NJCCCS. The online test is designed to inform teachers which areas students excel and which areas need more focus. I find that the program is easy to use and the results help guide my future lesson plans. For example, recent results indicate that my students are weak in inferencing. Therefore, I've made multiple lesson plans focusing on that concept, and hopefully the next Learnia test will show improvement in that area.
One final thought: the debate over data will continue, and I fully plan on utilizing it to make my classroom more conducive to learning.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tests: How They Influenced My Life
Most individuals cringe when they hear the word "test." I'm no different. However, throughout my life I've learned to try my best regardless of the test. Some tests are academic, some are social, some are life, etc..
When I was in fifth grade I took a test that changed my life. It was an ordinary social studies test, but I remember studying my butt off for the test. Finally I received my test back and written across the top was "A++++". I was ecstatic. It was from that day forward that I wanted to enter the world of education. I'll never forget that day or that test.
Here I am today, as a teacher, writing in this blog and continuing my quest for knowledge. So, the next time you take a test, don't cringe, it might be a positive life altering event :)
When I was in fifth grade I took a test that changed my life. It was an ordinary social studies test, but I remember studying my butt off for the test. Finally I received my test back and written across the top was "A++++". I was ecstatic. It was from that day forward that I wanted to enter the world of education. I'll never forget that day or that test.
Here I am today, as a teacher, writing in this blog and continuing my quest for knowledge. So, the next time you take a test, don't cringe, it might be a positive life altering event :)
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