April 26, 2013

http://www.greatschools.org/parenting/teaching-values/645-stressed-out-kids.gs

     This article brings up the issue of stress being caused by standardized testing.  The article states that even kindergarten students are feeling the stress, not so much by the testing, but by homework inflicted on them at such an early age.  This article states that in some states, testing begins as early as first grade.  I realize the US is behind academically, but is this type of stress really the answer?  This article also states that the number of children treated for depression between 1995 and 2001 more than doubled.  What are we doing to our children (not to mention our teachers)?
     This article also talks about students taking AP courses in high school.  According to the article, more students are taking these courses and students are also taking the PSAT, SAT and ACT multiple times.  I know my daughter is currently taking her third AP course.  The work required may be more than any I have taken in a college course.  All the while she is trying to stay involved in clubs and volleyball.  All so this will look good on her college applications.  Meanwhile, she is staying up until 12 pm or 1 am in the morning trying to complete assignments and to study for tests which she is fearful she may not pass.
     I see my own students struggling to pass their grade.  They may do fine in a classroom setting, but completely panic when it comes to taking a test.  What happens if they happen to have a bad day on the day of EOG.  Should they fail because of one test?  I hope we can soon come up with a better system for both ensuring our children are meeting standards as well as helping them succeed in school.

Sunday April 14, 2013

A few weeks ago I posted about a news story I heard regarding a bill that was being introduced in South Carolina.  Although I live in North Carolina, I am less than five minutes from the South Carolina state line, therefore, any educational news from our southern state always interests me.  This bill was Senator Harvey Peeler and is called, "South Carolina Read to Succeed Act."  It's a short report, so it doesn't take long to read.  It reviews statistics from Florida and how the successful their reading on 4th grade standardized tests has improved since implementing this policy ten years ago.

http://wspa.membercenter.worldnow.com/story/21643021/bill-would-hold-back-sc-3rd-graders-not-reading-at-grade-level

April 7, 2013

http://www.strategiesforchildren.org/3research/10_TurningThePageReport.pdf

Continuing the focus on my last few posts on reading, I searched for states with high reading scores on standardized tests.  Massachusetts has continually been at the top of the list.  I found this article written by professionals in the state explaining how they have and are continuing to refocus their strategies for reading success.  The report discusses five areas for improving reading success.  One that I found interesting, is the focus on family.  In the article it is referred to as "Partnership with Families."  I think this is a great place to start for improving literacy in children.  I am always astounded when I see statistics showing the number of words  young children are exposed to in low income families, middle income families, and in professional families.  It is no wonder so many children struggle with reading.  This is why I thought  the Massachusetts report was on target.  I think if schools have an ongoing relationship with parents, not just one or two nights a year, but on a regular basis, where teachers, parents and students interact in reading activities.  These types of interactions help parents learn how to discuss books with their children.  I just think there is a lot of opportunity to educate parents on ways they can help ensure their child's success.

March 26, 2013

http://www.npr.org/2012/05/14/152683322/third-grade-a-pivotal-time-in-students-lives

This link is to a transcript from an NPR radio talk show.  You may also download the audio.  It is an interesting show about whether or not to retain students based on their inability to read on grade level.  Some of the callers have had their child retained, or have been retained themselves for not performing on grade level.  It is interesting to see what different states base their retentions on - truly not being able to read, failing standardized tests, and immaturity are all mentioned.  I feel a student should not be retained solely on their standardized test scores.  I do, however, feel that if it is felt a student is struggling in reading that the retention should occur before third grade, certainly not later.  The third grade curriculum for ELA is challenging for a student that can read.  It is really frustrating for a student who is reading on a kindergarten or first grade level who is trying to read the types of selections on standardized tests.  I see these students shut down during these tests.  They can't read but a few words on the first line of a selection and then see seven or eight more selections they have to read, so some don't even try.  I would like to see these students also be able to receive a test that is read to them and they are required to answer the questions.  This way, you can test their comprehension.  The way all students are currently tested for reading comprehension, you are not getting an accurate measurement of the child's comprehension if they aren't able to read the words.

March 14, 2013 11:32pm

Just heard an interesting story on the news.  South Carolina is trying to pass a new law which states that any child who is not reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade will be retained and be placed in an extensive reading program.  Teachers will also receive more literacy training.  The story went on to say that Florida had passed a law similar to this a few years ago and their 4th grade EOG reading comprehension scores increased by about 16 points.  I teach 3rd grade ELA, and it really concerns me that so many students are not reading on grade level.  I know the achievement gaps increase rapidly after this point for students who are struggling readers.  No one wants to hold a child back, but I think SC may be on to something with this proposal.  Give these students intensive reading instruction.  I'm sure there are people who will disagree, but it seems to me students will be more successful in later grades if they learn to read in K-2, and certainly by 3rd grade.  There is really no time to teach a student to read in 3rd grade, especially with the new Common Core Standards.  If students can't read the information, they certainly aren't going to comprehend it!

March 14, 2013

I'm always looking and listening out for new things or suggestions to use in my classroom.  You have to keep students active to keep them interested.  One thing I have been reading a lot about lately is "flipped classrooms."  This is where teachers use videos or screencasting to teach a lesson, which students watch for their homework.  The traditional "homework," or practice is done in the classroom.  This allows more time for teacher/student interaction in the classroom, and less class time spent lecturing.  Seems to be an interesting concept.  I don't know anyone who has tried this, but I would like to give it a try.  I would love to hear any suggestions, ideas, or stories (success or otherwise) anyone may have had with this.