I don’t know if all states have mandatory state benchmark tests for students, but here in Texas it is called TAKS and it becomes a big deal. Years ago, when Amanda first announced the upcoming test, we asked if there was material for her to review. She explained that there was no preparation material; it just was designed to simply assess overall knowledge. She also told us that her teacher had advised them to get a good night’s sleep and to have a good breakfast that morning.
“Is this test going to make up a big part of your grade?” I asked.
“No, we don’t get a grade for it. But our results will be sent to Austin and compared against other schools and cities.”
Oh, I see. When the teachers and district are being “graded,” be sure to sleep and eat well. When it’s just your kids' grades on the line, feed them whatever junk you want and party all night. My apologies to friends and family that are teachers – I know no one said that, or even feels that way, but they make such an issue about coming to school primed on TAKS day.
This year they took it up a level. They sent home a memo telling us what to feed the kids. “Studies have shown that kids perform better having eaten eggs Benedict, poached salmon, four ounces of cranberry juice, and toast. Real butter.”
OK, not really but they did tell the kids, sent a memo home, e-mailed us, and left a very long automated phone message in two languages. Hold on, someone is at the door. I’m back; it was just a carrier pigeon from the high school. The note said to check out the smoke signals about the upcoming test. The smoke just reminded us "real butter."
3 comments:
i said the EXACT same thing to Abby this year...well kind of...I said that it was interesting that her teacher is having them prepare prepare prepare (to the point of actually stressing Abby out) for a test that grades her and no emphasis whatsoever for tests that will be reflected on her own report card. What a joke.
Dave, sometimes you're are a complete breath of fresh air on what seems another boring and monotonous day.
In California it is called STAR testing. . . it's the same thing. Weeks before the test they send home the memo of the dates and times of the test. Kids are told when to go to bed, what to eat, what to snack on, and regardless of the swine flu, come to school and be there on time! I went into the office yesterday to check in as I volunteer in the classroom. The principal was at the counter and she watched me pick up the clipboard. She said, "what are you doing?" I said "helping in my daughter's class." She looked at me with panic on her face and said, "it's STAR testing." I said,"My daughter is in kindergarten." Relief washed her face and she then said, "oh. . .(whew) that's okay." In my brain I'm thinking, "What?. . . STAR testing? Really? You mean the tests that we have received written notice of by registered mail and that your voice automated phone system called my husband's work phone, his office phone, my cell phone, and my home phone at the same time last night to leave a friendly reminder?" Gotta love those standardized tests.
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