The annual hell known as standardized tests starts today. This week fourth through eight graders will be taking the English Language test (the math tests take place in May).
The ELA is supposed measures students’ attainment of skills such as understanding story events, drawing conclusions, making predictions, identifying the main idea, using vocabulary strategies, identifying supporting details, identifying point of view, evaluating ideas, understanding features that distinguish genres, and using figurative language to interpret text. That’s a mouthful, right! And did I mention that the tests take place over a three-day period.
I feel for my daughter. I had thought about opting her out of the test this year because the 5th grade scores do not count for anything. NADA!! Middle schools look at your 4th grade scores. But I realized that frankly opting her out would actually not be a good thing because her 6th grade scores will be reviewed for entrance into high school so she might as well get used to taking standardized tests. Sad reality!!
I can only say that No Child Left Behind is really doing this generation a disservice as kids across the country spend their days being prepped for tests. And seriously if I had the money I would go private in a heart beat.
For laughs, I included a link to the 5th Grade sample test. UGH!!!
One word: Ugh!
This process is so nuts
I have a 6th grader and a son who is now 21, so I have been going through these test for a long time. I don’t mind the use of the test. I really think that it’s a useful tool for evaluating where a child is at, but it should be just that- a tool. I grew up with standardized test which we studied for the week before, and it was used in combination with grades and teachers evaluations. I am absolutely against it being the determining factor of what holds a child behind. I also am strongly against teach to test. My children went to NYC grade schools that did not teach to test and got 3’s and 4’s on their different standardized tests. I think if children are in an environment where learning is fun and made relevant to their daily lives, where they are encouraged to be confident in themselves, they do well naturally. I told my 6th grade son to do his best and that’s all I can ask of him.
Yoour method of describing everything in this article is truly pleasant, every
one be capable of effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will certainly digg it
and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this website.