NCLB

I'm very anti-NCLB, even though it is very good in theory (but then again so is Communism). I appreciate the governments attempt to improve education in America, however I believe that most congressmen are too far removed from the actual classroom.

NCLB has definitely impacted education across the country and it has trickled down into my classroom.

Many teachers are intimidated by NCLB and state testing. Too often teachers teach to the test. However, I personally do not teach to the test. I follow my curriculum set forth by my district and do the best to implement it in my class. It is my personal belief that if I teach to the best of my abilities, engage my students in lessons (by getting them excited about learning), and create a classroom mileu that is conducive to education, that my pupils will excel in a variety of testing situations.

Standardized Tests

Standardized tests actually serve a purpose other than funding. My school district uses the data; uses being a very important word, because data is pointless until you utilize it to benefit something. Sparta mainly uses the scores to help guide curriculum. My school district looks at all of the categories, growth within the district, growth by school, growth by grade level, and growth amongst districts in our specific group.

I personally look at test scores to help me gauge my curriculum and which concepts to focus on in order to help students meet his/her full potential. I also use the information for grouping. Sometimes I specifically group students according to his/her academic abilities.

As previously stated, it is important to analyze the data and then use it to benefit the students. (On a side note, our district's curriculum department holds meetings at each school to help faculty interpret the data and use the information to help students.)

Addressing Parent's Concerns Over Tests

If a parent ever came up to me and said that I spend too much class time "teaching to the test," I would respond in the following manner. First I would tell them that I follow the curriculum set forth by the district. Then I would inform them that testing is a part of education and that students need to become accustomed to the different types of tests they will have to take throughout their life. Next I would state that I use the tests to gauge student's progress and understanding of specific concepts. Another thing I would say is that I use the test information to help me decide what areas I need to review and concentrate on as well as helping me plan for the rest of the year. If a parent continuously questioned my teaching I would tell them (after discussing it with the administration) that they are more than welcome to come in and visit my room while I'm instructing the class.

"Irate Customer"

As a future administrator I realize I am going to have to deal with a plethora of phone calls. Some will be positive, however, some will be negative. It is imperative that I stay cool, calm, and collected during those phone conversations. Here is an example of how one of those phone conversations could play out:

Scenerio:

R: Subject Area Supervisor
A: Angered parent about student placement
F: Phone Conversation
T: School's decision for student's placement in CP vs. Honors

AP: Angry Parent
M: Me

AP, "Hello Mr. J. How are you today? Well, let me tell you how I am. I am annoyed. I would like to know why my daughter Samantha is not in the honors program?"

M, "Well, Mrs. Smith I am sorry that you feel annoyed, but I stand behind the decision of where your daughter is being placed. After reviewing the qualifications for the honors programs, your daughter does not meet the requirements."

AP, "That is ridiculous Mr. J. My daughter is extremely gifted. She scores high on all of her exams and got straight A's last year."

M, "I realize that Sam is a bright young lady. However, in order to get into the honors program you need to be recommended by a teacher, maintain straight A's for the past 2 years, and score advanced proficient on the state tests."

AP, "I still think Sam should be in the honors program. She is talented and I want her to be challenged."

M, "Well, Mrs. Smith, the teacher for the college prep class is excellent and will be able to challenge Sam. The teacher will be able to meet Sam's needs."

AP, "Well, I don't know. I haven't heard any positive things from my friends about the teacher for the college prep class."

M, "Mrs. Smith, I believe you have to form your own opinion of that instructor. If the teacher was not adequate, we would not have given him tenure. Also, in the middle of the year we can see Sam's progress and reevaluate her for the honor's program."

AP, "Thank you Mr. J for your time. I guess that will work. Have a good day."

M, "Have a good day too."