We live directly across from a local elementary school and have been planning on sending our kids there once it's time. To the best of my knowledge, it's a good school, very diverse, etc. But this article in my local paper bothered me. What do you think? By the way, TAKS test is the Texas Assesment of Knowledge and Skills. It's the standardized test for the state. I'm not a huge fan of standardized testing. Here's the article:
I guess what bothers me the most is that they are basically saying if you can't pass this test, than you have to attend extra days of school during a holiday. I don't think standardized tests are an accurate measure of a child's intelligence. Not at all. This seems very unjust to me. I know that schools, at least around here, have been known to "teach the test" or just focus on teaching what's in it and nothing else for the sake of gaining an exemplary status and being awarded certain amounts of money for how many kids pass the darn thing. I knew some very smart kids in school who just couldn't seem to pass the test. I didn't make good grades but always passed the test. It's just not accurate. It's unfair and some claim it's biased.
What do you think of this reward system?
Quote:
| "Students to be Awarded Days Off by Passing TAKS Test" The ---- ---- Independant School District Board of Trustees approved a Texas Education Agency waiver for the 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2006-07 school years that will allow --ISD to modify the number of instructional days (up to 10) for secondary students with demonstrated mastery in core academic areas on the TAKS and on their semester grades. Students who haven't demonstrated mastery would attend mini academies that provide intensive remediation. These additional instructional days would most likely be added to holiday periods. |
I guess what bothers me the most is that they are basically saying if you can't pass this test, than you have to attend extra days of school during a holiday. I don't think standardized tests are an accurate measure of a child's intelligence. Not at all. This seems very unjust to me. I know that schools, at least around here, have been known to "teach the test" or just focus on teaching what's in it and nothing else for the sake of gaining an exemplary status and being awarded certain amounts of money for how many kids pass the darn thing. I knew some very smart kids in school who just couldn't seem to pass the test. I didn't make good grades but always passed the test. It's just not accurate. It's unfair and some claim it's biased.
What do you think of this reward system?
The whole TAKS obsession is what led me to decide to homeschool (even though my dd is still only 5.5 months....) I taught in public schools when the TAAS (pre-TAKS) obsession was heating up and it's just crazy. Admin that says NO ONE (not even K and 1) can have recess in the month (or months) leading up to the testing. Whole schools that do-away with music, art, drama so kids can spend more time learning the test. It's a mess.
What makes them think that people would be willing to send their children to school over vacations (during which many people travel & have family obligations)? I know I wouldn't.
