I really struggle with NCLB because I believe every child is capable of improvement although it is impossible for EVERY child to be on grade level! It's a nice thought but unrealistic.
Yes they are! NCLB puts so much pressure on teachers and students to perform well on standardized tests. I believe teachers should be held accountable teaching their students well, but putting so much emphasis on testing has actually hurt the educational system. Students are still illiterate. They still can't write. They still can't read. Nothing has changed. In response to Ron's comment, I do believe that there should be a national standard, but not NCLB.
I agree that there should be a national standard but, lets face reality. From my own personal experience, as a teacher I have had students whom I have spent countless hours trying to help and yet they still are below grade level. They have made progress but are not were the standard grade level would have them at. Also, as a parent, my own son has made amazing improvement in reading although he is not on grade level. I never thought he would get past a first grade reading level. I am amazed that he has made the improvement that he has. I don't believe that teacher and students should be punished if they are truly doing their best. I do think there needs to be some accountability for teachers but state testing is not the only way to measure intelligence.
I really struggle with NCLB because I believe every child is capable of improvement although it is impossible for EVERY child to be on grade level! It's a nice thought but unrealistic.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments, but in your opinion should there be some type of National Standard?
ReplyDeleteYes they are! NCLB puts so much pressure on teachers and students to perform well on standardized tests. I believe teachers should be held accountable teaching their students well, but putting so much emphasis on testing has actually hurt the educational system. Students are still illiterate. They still can't write. They still can't read. Nothing has changed. In response to Ron's comment, I do believe that there should be a national standard, but not NCLB.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there should be a national standard but, lets face reality. From my own personal experience, as a teacher I have had students whom I have spent countless hours trying to help and yet they still are below grade level. They have made progress but are not were the standard grade level would have them at. Also, as a parent, my own son has made amazing improvement in reading although he is not on grade level. I never thought he would get past a first grade reading level. I am amazed that he has made the improvement that he has. I don't believe that teacher and students should be punished if they are truly doing their best. I do think there needs to be some accountability for teachers but state testing is not the only way to measure intelligence.
ReplyDelete