tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post6859516872843638929..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: Student's view: Don't grade me on teacher testsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-27134564214816358402013-09-28T20:39:00.634-04:002013-09-28T20:39:00.634-04:00Anon 3:13.
Ok, so I'm being candid.
Maybe ...Anon 3:13.<br /><br />Ok, so I'm being candid. <br /><br />Maybe the teachers aren't so much "stupid" as just following "stupid" orders or a "stupid" curriculum.<br /><br />From my perspective, the result is the same, though.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-123086606055173132013-09-28T20:26:37.100-04:002013-09-28T20:26:37.100-04:00Anon 7:35.
Perhaps you understand why I am not in...Anon 7:35.<br /><br />Perhaps you understand why I am not interested in continuing to beat my head against the wall over this as well.<br /><br />But it is annoying to find that they do all that testing but won't use the results as evidence that they might need to change what they're teaching.<br /><br />Sure, it's great to continue teaching the slow kids until they reach "proficiency".<br /><br />But what about the kids who reached "proficiency" two years earlier?<br /><br />Just keep them hanging around to raise the averages?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-28100226968786144152013-09-28T19:50:15.133-04:002013-09-28T19:50:15.133-04:00Anon 7:35.
Ah, the MAP test.
That's the one ...Anon 7:35.<br /><br />Ah, the MAP test.<br /><br />That's the one my son scored a 220 on in math for the second grade.<br /><br />Maybe you can tell me whether someone who is at that level needs to sit through two more years of tens place vs. ones place.<br /><br />But, nevermind, I already know the official answer.<br /><br />Oh well. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-53107629537733831882013-09-28T19:32:26.740-04:002013-09-28T19:32:26.740-04:00Why would I not go higher?
One reason is that I d...Why would I not go higher?<br /><br />One reason is that I don't see any sign that folks are any smarter the higher you go up the food chain in the educational bureaucracy.<br /><br />And I don't think this is exactly Brown v. Board of Educational material, so the Supreme Court is out of the question.<br /><br />But, I suspect we'll find a way to move on. <br /><br />Perhaps literally.<br /><br />We know some folks who are extremely happy with the education their kids are getting in Singapore.<br /><br />It's a big world, so there's still some hope.<br /><br />Sometimes changing "the system" isn't really the answer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-20087871472483234752013-09-27T19:35:27.427-04:002013-09-27T19:35:27.427-04:00To the poster of the "stupid teacher" co...To the poster of the "stupid teacher" comment - Most teachers I know differentiate the instruction to the needs of their students. I know this has been at a bare minimum in my 3rd grade classroom this year as I have had to take hours of time giving the kids busy work so I can assess them each individually to get their reading level. In addition, we had to give the pre-EOG (1 whole morning) and give yet another test in reading (MAPS) and my class will take a math MAPS test next week. I have no ocntrol over this. The sad thing is that I have barely had enough time to teach over the last 3 weeks which in your opinion is probably for the best because the hours of time I spend planning engaging lessons with materials bought out of my pocket probably aren't that good anyway. Wait . . .stupid . .. maybe you have a point.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-27948184118763381742013-09-27T17:04:53.497-04:002013-09-27T17:04:53.497-04:00"It's a pretty sad commentary when "..."It's a pretty sad commentary when "go to Raleigh" is the solution to getting my son more appropriate math assignments in his local school."<br /><br />And why would you NOT go higher and higher, if necessary, to get to the root of the problem? That's what would be done in any corporate structure. In this case, part of the problem IS what's being done (or not done) in Raleigh. Let them know you're upset and why. If they don't hear from angry parents, they're going to keep assuming that what they're doing is fine, and they'll keep doing. Teachers are already being unfairly dragged through the mud. Please don't add to it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-12747347233492398382013-09-27T16:16:53.987-04:002013-09-27T16:16:53.987-04:00I too am a teacher and was surprised by the "...I too am a teacher and was surprised by the "stupid" comment. I will choose to believe it was used out of frustration and I will leave my comment at that.<br /><br />As far as some of the comments regarding technology, I agree that most of what is done at the elementary level, as far as with the actual use of the technology device, is not progressive in nature so it is not critical that a 2nd grader uses an Ipad. It is a tool to help with repetitive skills, such as multiplication, but not essential. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-66910119803082927652013-09-27T15:13:49.010-04:002013-09-27T15:13:49.010-04:00As a Middle School teacher, I take great offense t...As a Middle School teacher, I take great offense to the poster above who uses the word "stupid" so candidly to describe teachers.<br /><br />As someone has said before, there are zip ties around the hands of what some teachers can do. When classes are filled with 30+ students of (widely) varying ability levels, it becomes difficult to differentiate for all students.<br /><br />Also, have you checked out the Common Core standards for Grade 3 Math? Place Value is in there and sadly, some (probably many) were left behind in 2nd Grade because of the amount that there is to cover before the <b>M</b>i<b>S</b>si<b>L</b>e Tests. However, they are supposed to move BEYOND just the basic premise of place value into rounding, adding, and subtracting.<br /><br />I'm sure your son's teacher is not standing by with drool dripping out of their agape jaw while the class runs amuck. (Most) Teachers are working their tails off to ensure that your child has the basic tools needed to survive in this world. I WISH we had more parent oversight like you seem to be doing. However, remember, that many teachers are tied with what THEY are allowed to do. We're not stupid, we're just limited on what we are allowed to do.<br /><br />Heaven forbid we teach a kid or two to think critically anymore...Google already does that for us...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-42073502188737313882013-09-27T08:43:21.770-04:002013-09-27T08:43:21.770-04:00To anon 12:24, there's always CPCC for your 3r...To anon 12:24, there's always CPCC for your 3rd grade son.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-62255258489329894192013-09-27T08:02:44.161-04:002013-09-27T08:02:44.161-04:00It's a pretty sad commentary when "go to ...It's a pretty sad commentary when "go to Raleigh" is the solution to getting my son more appropriate math assignments in his local school.<br /><br />Well, I can see why so many do go to private schools, but is that really the answer?<br /><br />I know parents who have gone that route, but encounter similar lockstep processes.<br /><br />He's already in a "gifted and talented" program (which is mostly fluff, but probably fun), so that doesn't seem to matter much, either.<br /><br />I guess we'll just back off on the "home schooling" until he falls in line with the school's expectations for someone in his grade.<br /><br />Just let him ignore math for two or three years and he'll fit into the program just fine.<br /><br />It seems that we are only "making trouble" by insisting on a higher standard.<br /><br />(Like hell.....)<br /><br />But, hey, it's all good. Maybe he'll get an iPad in school so he can play games to pass the time during math classes.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-4204385604484584882013-09-26T19:39:16.943-04:002013-09-26T19:39:16.943-04:00Let's go for the moratorium on reproduction.
...Let's go for the moratorium on reproduction.<br /><br />It's more likely to happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-43457465501325570122013-09-26T16:43:08.732-04:002013-09-26T16:43:08.732-04:00Speaking as a teacher, may I recommend that you vo...Speaking as a teacher, may I recommend that you voice your concerns not just to your son's teacher and principal, but also to the legislature in Raleigh? With constant budget cuts, frozen pay scales and endless numbers of administrative duties thrust upon them, it can be difficult for teachers to even keep their heads above water, never mind find the time to plan engaging, thoughtful lessons to differentiate for above-average students. Perhaps this teacher has been told what she HAS to do - teach to the middle, usually - and has neither the time nor the resources to do more than that. I wish more parents would stand up and make their voices heard on behalf of how teachers have been vilified in North Carolina. Only then will things begin to change, for students and for teachers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-72942899986161373412013-09-26T14:53:52.897-04:002013-09-26T14:53:52.897-04:00To Anon Smart kid, there are several great private...To Anon Smart kid, there are several great private schools in the area. You should check them out if you're not getting the service you need or want.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-70994875272533973412013-09-26T13:52:02.394-04:002013-09-26T13:52:02.394-04:00Yeah, because "smart" kids are such a pr...Yeah, because "smart" kids are such a problem for the system.<br /><br />A kid who was two years behind, though, would have all sorts of options.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-20193774331176737762013-09-26T13:09:10.752-04:002013-09-26T13:09:10.752-04:00Then clearly the solution, 12:10, is to call a mor...Then clearly the solution, 12:10, is to call a moratorium on reproduction until there is some way to guarantee that all kids are as smart as yours is and then there wouldn't be a problem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-18958689467963586152013-09-26T12:25:41.013-04:002013-09-26T12:25:41.013-04:00They need to keep the smart kids behind so their t...They need to keep the smart kids behind so their teachers look good on the standardized tests.<br /><br />Everything is working according to plan...Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-90697237811964762772013-09-26T12:10:35.639-04:002013-09-26T12:10:35.639-04:00Counterproductive?
Ah, yes.
When confronted wi...Counterproductive?<br /><br />Ah, yes. <br /><br />When confronted with a brainless bureaucracy there are just a multitude of ways we can be branded "counterproductive".<br /><br />Like we HAVEN"T considered the normal "productive", play by the rules route...<br /><br />Would you prefer the term apathetic, unconcerned, gutless, cowardly, or something else rather than stupid?<br /><br />Maybe you can tell us the "productive" route to take.<br /><br />Like how to persuade without using the obvious facts right in front of their slack-jawed faces?<br /><br />We've already spoken with the teacher and principal and gotten little more than blank stares and statements that the higher classes would be too "difficult" for our high-scoring son. <br /><br />Maybe you know a secret to getting through their thick skulls we don't.<br /><br />Even though THEIR TESTS say otherwise and they admit that our son scored higher than ANY fourth graders on the same test (he's in third grade), they won't budge an inch.<br /><br />Even on just letting him join the fourth graders WHO ARE PROVEN TO KNOW LESS THAN HE DOES.<br /><br />Ah, yes.<br /><br />STUPID pretty much hits the nail on the head for this one.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-51751224675334964632013-09-26T11:22:01.723-04:002013-09-26T11:22:01.723-04:00I'm conflicted. I don't to blame the teach...I'm conflicted. I don't to blame the teachers as they've been handed a raw deal. But I just get the impression they don't care anymore. When you class is upwards of 30 kids-what can you do?<br />My child has been telling me constantly he is bored and he is suppose to be in the (non-existent) TD program.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-39902420775981552182013-09-26T11:08:38.123-04:002013-09-26T11:08:38.123-04:00I don't think anyone is denying that there are...I don't think anyone is denying that there are kids who are well above the curve. But berating already-overworked teachers for being too "stupid" to buck the system and make special accommodations for such students is counterproductive. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-88117039835573032712013-09-26T10:30:07.203-04:002013-09-26T10:30:07.203-04:00I think we have more than one set of woes.
There&...I think we have more than one set of woes.<br /><br />There's the woes of the bottom performers (which you have identified).<br /><br />And the woes of the top performers (which so few seem to care about).<br /><br />As for "parental involvement"...<br /><br />See what "Central Office" has to say about that (according to at least one commenter).<br /><br />Just don't let on that your kid might be "smarter" than anyone else.<br /><br />Especially if you live in suburbia.<br /><br />Because they apparently can't handle that and are getting tired of hearing about it.<br /><br />Or maybe they've quietly solved THAT problem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-25559148636238893342013-09-26T09:11:58.381-04:002013-09-26T09:11:58.381-04:00The common factors of our educational woes in the ...The common factors of our educational woes in the US are lack of parental involvement and parental supervision. Barb S.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-13751275086272121702013-09-26T09:10:46.770-04:002013-09-26T09:10:46.770-04:009:10 A truism is that there are more medical stud...9:10 A truism is that there are more medical studies than one can cite that state the benefits of later high school start times. CMS is behind (and wrong) on this issue.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-53629495442488198742013-09-26T08:03:47.969-04:002013-09-26T08:03:47.969-04:00Pamela,
Yes.
It only seems reasonable that if ...Pamela,<br /><br />Yes. <br /><br />It only seems reasonable that if you can determine the teacher's contribution, there MUST be a secret sauce for sorting out the other sources contributing to the final grade.<br /><br />I think SAS Institute was just holding out until they saw the need.<br /><br />And now they have it.<br /><br />Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us...<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-21127515766903724182013-09-26T07:49:49.828-04:002013-09-26T07:49:49.828-04:007:00 a.m.
What a great idea! I'm sure the rig...7:00 a.m.<br /><br />What a great idea! I'm sure the right (albeit expensive) formula could tease out exactly the amount that a student's individual effort contributed to a test score, allowing schools to grade students solely according to their own effort. Why should students be rewarded, gradewise, for having a good teacher? Sounds like a wise investment to me :).Pamela Grundynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-43324589964184752942013-09-26T07:16:53.414-04:002013-09-26T07:16:53.414-04:00Anon 8:52
It's not that the time-wasters have...Anon 8:52<br /><br />It's not that the time-wasters haven't appeared in other cultures (Chinese kids LOVE video games, too, and Angry Birds was INVENTED in Finland by Rovio), but they have parents and teachers who see to it that the kids study.<br /><br />Finland is somewhat notorious for NOT having a lot of technology in the classroom, either.<br /><br />While Asians just push their kids a lot harder. Maybe to excess.<br /><br />I still think Finland is on to something more "palatable" to Western habits (less school time, less testing, but smarter teachers and a more focused school day).<br /><br />The technology in our classrooms is mostly a crutch. And the days of being considered a "whiz kid" just because you know how to use a computer are pretty much behind us.<br /><br />Now, it's what you can do with all the information at your disposal that really counts.<br /><br />And, unfortunately for us, that requires good old-fashioned thinking skills.<br /><br />Something our machines can't quite do for us.Shamashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06886687970259841873noreply@blogger.com