NetForum - Message Replies

Forum: Looking at Learning... Again

Topic: Teaching and Learning

Posted by: Anna Marie E. Forte' (jjforte@ix.netcom.com )
Date posted: Sat May 1 21:16:10 US/Eastern 1999
Subject: The importance of the test score
Message:
I enjoy workshops like "The Many Faces of Learning". My problem comes when the Districts' not concern with how kids learn but with what they score on the standardized test. My job performance is based on my school's index, not on methods I use to teach or the intelligence of my students. They provide us with plenty professional development but in the end it is the score that counts. Does anyone have any suggestions how to deal with this situation?

Subject: Test Scores
Reply Posted by: Sharon Pearson
Date Posted: Mon May 7 22:08:18 2001
Message:
When test scores actually reflect learning and not pumped up scores to satisfy the higher ups, I will start worrying about those test scores. I tell my parents to take the scores with a grain of salt. Do they really mean anything? Did Susie get a good night's sleep? Oops--down go the grades. Did the teacher teach the test? Yea--up go the test scores. Is it difficult for Johnny to take any test? Too bad--down go the test scores. Was prior knowledge there for you to start the year, therefore you were able to focus on the curriculum to be taught? Oh well...down go the test scores. My suggestion---teach.

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