major frustration
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
okay. so here's the deal with teaching. a lot of teaching is the day-to-day routines, processes, working with the kids, all of that stuff--being in the classroom.
but then there's this other part. in california (as in every state) we have a set of standards. i interpret and assess the standards the best way that i know how--in fact, i think they're fairly clear. but then i look at the standardized tests and they make me want to scream. my understanding of the standards and the state's understanding of the standards are like ships passing in the night--it's like the other one doesn't even exist. i wish someone could sit me down and say "look, this is how this question assesses standard 3.2, because i know you understand it this way, because it seems straightforward, but actually it's cryptic and here's why."
i take a lot of pride in being able to understand other peoples' reasons for what they do, even if i don't agree. and i think this is especially frustrating because i don't understand the REASONS/logic behind the assessments. yes, ultimately i'm talking about the CSTs (california standards tests), also known as STAR tests. the CST assesses in a particular way, so the district gives benchmark tests that assess in the same way. if my kids can do well on the benchmark, does that mean they can do well on the CST? that would be great! however, i can't find the logic behind the CST questions so i can't figure out how to teach the concepts in a way that will help students prepare for the tests. is it teaching to the test? hell yes! but that's what is expected of me right now, so dammit, i *will* show success this year on the tests.
this is the crap that drives me and motivate me and ROYALLY pisses me off and totally confuses me. i wish that i had a grade level colleague who i could sit down and hash this out with. but i don't. my grade level colleagues are all over the map but i don't think either of them would be into this. if you're an 8th grade english teacher and you want to help me or you have figured out the logic of the test makers, post or email me.
okay. so here's the deal with teaching. a lot of teaching is the day-to-day routines, processes, working with the kids, all of that stuff--being in the classroom.
but then there's this other part. in california (as in every state) we have a set of standards. i interpret and assess the standards the best way that i know how--in fact, i think they're fairly clear. but then i look at the standardized tests and they make me want to scream. my understanding of the standards and the state's understanding of the standards are like ships passing in the night--it's like the other one doesn't even exist. i wish someone could sit me down and say "look, this is how this question assesses standard 3.2, because i know you understand it this way, because it seems straightforward, but actually it's cryptic and here's why."
i take a lot of pride in being able to understand other peoples' reasons for what they do, even if i don't agree. and i think this is especially frustrating because i don't understand the REASONS/logic behind the assessments. yes, ultimately i'm talking about the CSTs (california standards tests), also known as STAR tests. the CST assesses in a particular way, so the district gives benchmark tests that assess in the same way. if my kids can do well on the benchmark, does that mean they can do well on the CST? that would be great! however, i can't find the logic behind the CST questions so i can't figure out how to teach the concepts in a way that will help students prepare for the tests. is it teaching to the test? hell yes! but that's what is expected of me right now, so dammit, i *will* show success this year on the tests.
this is the crap that drives me and motivate me and ROYALLY pisses me off and totally confuses me. i wish that i had a grade level colleague who i could sit down and hash this out with. but i don't. my grade level colleagues are all over the map but i don't think either of them would be into this. if you're an 8th grade english teacher and you want to help me or you have figured out the logic of the test makers, post or email me.
posted by Allyson B. at
7:47 PM
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