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: Jumping on..
Reply Posted by: Lai Lum
Date Posted: Thu May 17 5:16:25 2001
Message:
I too must jump on to this band wagon for test scores. I have to agree with the general idea of teaching what you believe to be the best education you can give a student but I must admit it is easier said then done. I feel like I have poured my heart and soul into my class knowing that they can only do as well as how their day is or what they feel like. It is a fustration but a mentor once told me that we need to look at the big picture, if you never found out about the scores Would you be satisfied with how you taught that class, would you be proud to say they were your students next year to the third grade teacher they recieve. I honestly can say YES!!! I have also found out it helps to try and not read the newspaper editorials and listen to the radio too often, it will bring this subject up way too often and you will get further fustration if you do and your own self talk will become self dought, or at least that was me... Like everyone is saying, try not to dwell on it... though we get looked at and talked to, we have not gotten fired, and as we say to others (students) learn from our mistakes.. just don't let it happen repeatedly three times in a row year after year... then getting fired could actually come up.. anyway, talking too much and mummbling. Believe in yourself and "Don't worry, Be Happy!!!"

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