I wish this were not so accurate a picture of what we face. There is not a teacher I know who does not wear herself (or himself) out each day, trying to meet the academic, emotional, and physical needs of children. But a one-time, high-stakes test will determine our proficiency. And for none of us does that determination take place when we are actually teaching those children. Does anyone out there truly believe that effective instruction is about tests? When did the love of learning stop being a measure? I want to send children into the 3rd grade who read with understanding, are excited about science, undertake math with confidence and the ability to explain their thinking, know that art, music (both vocal and instrumental), faith and love are important parts of their culture AND their education, who are physically healthy and cared-for, and who will look back on 2nd grade as a joyous adventure. THOSE children will pass any test that could be squeezed into their busy days. Children whose instruction is squeezed into the spaces between tests probably will not.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 21:09:26 +0000
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