Why I Can’t “Teach to the Test”

I know it would make life much easier if I did.

Pull out the worksheets of all flavors;Reading, Writing, Math, mix in a Performance task.

Place them on their desks, one subject after another, hoping that when the BIG test comes, they can pass it, because they have been drilled, and drilled, and drilled.

Put them in labeled groups, those who will fly through the test, those who might pass, and those who don’t stand a chance.

“Teach” them based on where they fit in the “testing” spectrum.

No arts.

No Recess.

No engagement.

No fun.

Just test drills.

But, I can’t….READ MORE

Questions for a Standardized Test: Maybe Your Allies Can Answer!

• See the picture above, that’s my first question.
• Why am I told to make anchor charts that my students use throughout the year, and then told to take them down during testing? Do you really believe that any of my anchor charts have answers on them?READ MORE…

Popular Posts of 2013!

Honestly, I have reached that age where I can’t even remember what happened in 2013. Life has become a blur. The years are whizzing by! 

One of the highlights of 2013  was having the governor of Delaware visit our class to start American Education Week. We had a Mystery Skype and he LOVED it! We need to show our politicians what we can do besides test!! READ MORE…

Are School Field Trips Becoming Obsolete?

The 5th grade went to the Blue Rocks baseball game today and we had a blast! I loved interacting with my students outside of the classroom. It’s rare that we get the chance to do that anymore. We sat in the stadium, talking, laughing, and cheering. It was as far from standardized testing as you can get!:)READ MORE…

Why I am Going to the Occupy DOE March on April 4 – 7, 2013!

I have to say, I am, pretty much, allowed to do what I want in my classroom.(Probably because my kids pass those tests)
My school is not an AYP school, or whatever they call “failing” schools these days.
I don’t ” teach to the test”, and yet, my kids still manage to pass those idiotic, “waste of instructional time”, “money down the drain”, “accountability for teachers”, so-called assessments.

So, why would I need to join the protest, “Occupy DOE 2.0: The Battle for Public Schools“? READ MORE…

 

They Say That School is a Bad Mother…I’m Talkin About Garfield High!

 

WELL, WE CAN DIG IT!

I admire the teachers of Garfield High so much! What they have done, are still doing is amazing! Not only amazing, but very brave. In the scheme of things, everyone might not see what they are doing as heroic.READ MORE…

Top 3 Posts of February 2013!

“I Apologize” An Open Letter to My Students!
I am sorry…

If You’re Happy and You Know It…! Happy Students = Happy Teachers!..

Fairy Tale Jeopardy! JeopardyLabs:This is Not Powerpoint!… READ MORE

“I Apologize”:An Open letter to My Students!

Dear Kids,

I am sorry.

I am sorry that, yet again, I am placing another test (or assessment if you like using big words) on your desk. I  am sorry that I am, again, forcing you to take another test.

Yes, I know this is the 3rd test in a week, but you don’t understand.READ MORE…

photo credit: Dave Keeshan via photopin cc

Student Goals = Growth in Test Scores? Is This the New Normal?

The staff discussed the goals our students need to meet in order to

be successful by the end of the year.

The goals we are trying to get our children to achieve.

The goals we are striving for and want our students to attain.

You know what the goals are?READ MORE

 

 

My Letter to President Obama! October 17, 2012!:Write the President!

 “One thing I never want to see happen is schools that are just teaching the test because then you’re not learning about the world, you’re not learning about different cultures, you’re not learning about science, you’re not learning about math,” the president said. “All you’re learning about is how to fill out a little bubble on an exam and little tricks that you need to do in order to take a test and that’s not going to make education interesting.” Read more…