ah yes.....money=better education. Sorry that math does not work. Our educational system needs to be thrown out and a new one put in place. The buck stops with the parent and the student. It is my job to make sure my child is educated for the real world not the government.
How does society hold the different entities responsible? Testing does reflect some of the contribution that the schools, at large, and the teachers themselves provide. However, I would submit that there is no accountability placed where it's needed most: that of the parent. Could not have said that better myself. The teachers cannot do it all and learning should not end at 2:50. It is a never-ending thing. Always a challenge.
Anyone heard from Polenta yet? Can I call the school and they give me the results? Since I'm not living there anymore, I never get school information unless I go into Little One's book bag when she comes over :evil: . Really starting to tick me off! I wouldn't have known about 3rd grade awards had it not been for that. Telling my "oh btw" the day before or the day of doesn't give me time to get off work to go. Note to those who are separated/divorced with kids: If both parents are good parents, give the other parent all the information you get from school. You may not be trying to exclude the other parent, but some of us can't get away from work at the drop of a hat and our kids may start to believe they aren't as important to us as when we lived with them. Frogger <off my soap box now>
Never said money=better education. The suggestions that I am referring to, as I am sure that you are well aware of, involve changes to how standards are addressed. The recommendations in the TIMSS report, which I know you've read as it is one of the studies to compare students from different countries, don't involve spending more money, they involve spending money better, (ie. teach skills within context, promote problem solving, application of knowledge to new situations, etc.(aka the real world.) This is the second thread in which you want to believe that I want to throw more money at the problem (which is not what I believe.)
Money has nothing to do with how this issue is effecting our children. To get down to the nitty gritty...Teachers don't make jack for the workload they have to carry. The principals and asst. principals make the money as well as the superintendent but they have alot on their backs to. Some more than others. However, the teachers have a never-ending job. It goes home with them, they are doing their jobs on the weekends, they are at school early in the mornings until...They play the role of part-time parent, counselor, nurse, and disciplinarian.But as some parents expect, the teachers are suppose to perform miracles and turn their children into brainiacs. Again nothing to do with money, except not enough of it. A first year teacher starts off bringing home less than 2000.00 a month. Ia m not at all knocking my child's teachers because she has always had the best. This is al coming from performanceon the EOG's. I am just saying don't throw money into where it don't fit.
Can someone please explain this to me? What does it mean that a child doesn't "test well"? Does it mean Johnny can't make a decision between mulitple choice A, B or C? Does it mean Johnny can't decide whether something is true or false? Does it mean Johnny can't identify illustrations he should find familiar from classwork? or does it just mean Johnny hasn't been taught how to cope with stress and get done what he is required to do? I'm not trying to be ugly, but the phrase "doesn't test well" reeks of political correctness and excuse-making. Yes, tests are stressful. That's one reason why parents should teach their children to handle pressure and stress...even at a young age. Doing so has all kinds of benefits. Children who are taught that stress happens, and that it's a part of life, and how to cope with it and handle being under stress, handle family crisis situations better. They also don't buckle under peer pressure as easily. They are more ambitious and more outgoing. They work more independently. And they aren't afraid to fail..(fear of failure is something that keeps many people from going after what they want in life even into adulthood.) Excusing a bad test grade by saying the child "doesn't test well" hinders the child from learning how to do it better next time, and why it's important to work harder. Why work harder next time for a better grade, if you know adults are going to just excuse your bad grades away?
Which is great for the school, since they are rated on what percentage of the kids in the school show up to take the tests. But what does it do for your child? What is their incentive at school, for getting a good grade? Recognition? How can that be productive when those who didn't do well also get the same recognition? There is nothing wrong with recognition as a reward for achievement. I remember in 3rd grade when I asked my daughter's teacher why she never put any of her student's outstanding work on the cork strip in the hallway outside her class, and she said it was because she didn't want to hurt the feelings of those who "weren't high-achievers." I was flabbergasted. What kind of sense does that make?
I was just letting people know what our school was doing. For what is was worth, I was making it clear that at least at one school, it was not dependant on passing or failing the tests. I didn't say I agreed or disagreed with it. What it does for my child is give her the opportunity to go to her first school dance, which she is thrilled about. That is all. I also know that if students exceed expectations on EOG's, meaning they earn higher than a 4, they are recognized by the county with a special award. This happens during the school's award ceremony. (at least at our school) So, those who didn't score as well do not get the same recognition. Oh yes, and my child’s incentive? The school does give out awards for Honor Roll and Principals List each marking period. She also receives praise from family and pride in her achievements. That is all she needs.
Polenta calls came yesterday and the letters came home today. Sorry so late in letting you know, just read it.
Thanks, Grammie. Talked to Little One tonite and she told me about her scores. Way to go, my little girl!!! :-D Frogger
We didn't get any phone call either (Riverdell). Instead, we got a letter from the school, stating the score and the result. I'm glad it's so over.
