We just received his TAKs test results... my husband chuckled at the first one. :)
Basic understanding he had 11 out of 15 correct
Applying knowledge of Literary Elements 6 out of 7 correct
Using Strategies to Analyze 5 out of 6 correct
Applying Critical Thinking Skills 6 out of 7 correct
He is so proud and excited he waited till we got home and quietly pulled out his paperwork saying, "Mom you have to see some paperwork the teacher sent home...." In my head I'm wondering is it something I need to sign and return, or tutoring we need to work on... and then he handed me his test results along with a note from the school. :)
There is a lot of controversy over these tests - It all started with 'No one being left behind" but they've gotten a bit crazy with it in the schools. Many of us believe they don't focus enough on education but teaching the children how to pass these tests and are taught only what is on the tests. So much emphasis is put on these tests that the children and parents & teachers are upset all the time - and they start working on them be able to pass this Third Grade test in First Grade.... and of course the school's grades count towards their 'grading' in their status as Exemplary.
AND I heard on the news that they are thinking about doing away with the tests because if children do fail - they almost always find a way to let the children through any way.
We would do the same - Patrick has never tested well and almost always freezes up at tests. It started in Kindergarten and has continued to this day. So for that alone - we are excited for him. ! :) We are thankful for this teacher he has this year - she not only tests him but she looks past the grade on the paper. She questions him and says he has a good knowledge of the subject so she is working on his testing strategies and it seems to be working! :)
1 comment:
Yes, testing systems like that are one reason that parents choose other alternatives for their children. As you said, the whole school system (for its own advancement) uses the child, and all his school time, to better their ratings,thus getting more students and more funding.
I've tried to ask myself, for my kids, what kind of education do I want them to have - what knowledge, what understanding, what skills? - and form their education according to that. I think the public system has steered pretty far away from that concept.
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