Not educating child

[tlbwriter]

Personally, I wouldn't have had a problem with mandatory testing. The only issue that I would have is that some students don't necessarily test well. Generally, those tests don't determine who passes in public schools.

Increasingly, they do.

This is my point exactly. Homeschoolers learn things in a different sequence then public school kids so trying to test them on the same subjects wouldn't work. Each curriculum is different and each child learns differently.

It would work if the tests were competency-based. Unfortunately, I don't know if any states have adopted those type of tests, or if they're all using the "you should know this by 4th grade" paradigm.

 

[knitster]

I've not looked into the Stanford test, but I'd like to. I think it would be great to give my kids the experience of taking those types of tests since, as was already mentioned, they'll have to take the ACT someday.

 

[Becky2005]

It always amuses me that when public school is being discussed, one of the biggest complaints you'll hear is that teachers are just "teaching to the test" and that the standardized testing system desperately needs to be overhauled. But, when homeschooling is being discussed, those same people will insist on the necessity of standardized testing for homeschoolers.

True. I think it's a bit funny. I get the point of standardized testing but what if your child tests low on one area but grade level or high on all the others? Do they yank your child from homeschooling & say they have to go back to public school?

I do find it amusing because my kid basically "fails" the English portion of the standardized testing every year, which makes me just laugh and go "well, duh! I could have told you that." -- there is an IEP in place so obviously he's not grade level or he wouldn't have the IEP in the first place so testing him at grade level is basically a useless event for you to then give me the print out that says he is weak in this area and could use more work. It doesn't bother me as that is more the fact that the school will get dinged for having a low achieving student than anything else (let's just say that was the year they did NOT give him his accomodations even though they were supposed to) and guess what he's in public school -- so even kids in public school can be below grade level on the tests. I do have a bit of issues with standardized testing...luckily, at least at grade school level the previous Principal always considered it a snapshot more than anything else.

In High School, I have no clue because my kids must guess really well....they score high in areas they flunk at during the regular year or something & then don't do so good in areas they ace at school, so I give up on trying to figure that one out. One of my kids is getting math assistance since he struggles at math, yet he got an invitation to take the SAT test as a Middle Schooler due to his scores. Talk about confusing!

 

[golfgal]

As someone who homeschooled my daughter from 4th grade through high school, I have to disagree to a point. While I can see that state issued tests could possibly be problematic due to the sequence involved, there are tests that are fine for use (such as the Stanford). I felt that it was a good idea to use those yearly when my daughter was younger. Also, I knew that at some point she would be taking the ACT, and it's good to have experience in those type of tests.



Many state tests are designed to test on the sequence that the state has issued to the schools (meaning certain skills are mandated at specific grade levels). That's one reason that school administrators monitor teachers closely (to make sure they are indeed teaching what is going to be tested). However, as I said above, there are tests that shouldn't be a problem (and I'm not entirely convinced that the state tests would really be a problem either).



Personally, I wouldn't have had a problem with mandatory testing. The only issue that I would have is that some students don't necessarily test well. Generally, those tests don't determine who passes in public schools. I don't think homeschoolers should be held to any standards that public school students aren't.

No, they don't determine who passes in public schools, what they do look for are trends that indicate lack of mastery in a subject. If your child consistently scores low in addition, obviously they missed something along the way. It is a GUIDE to make sure kids are on track, nothing more, nothing less. Same expectations with homeschoolers should be applied-a GUIDE to make sure they are getting an education. Again, if you are doing your job, you have nothing to worry about, right??

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

No, they don't determine who passes in public schools, what they do look for are trends that indicate lack of mastery in a subject. If your child consistently scores low in addition, obviously they missed something along the way. It is a GUIDE to make sure kids are on track, nothing more, nothing less. Same expectations with homeschoolers should be applied-a GUIDE to make sure they are getting an education. Again, if you are doing your job, you have nothing to worry about, right??

Some schools and some state education systems do link promotion in certain grades to passing the standardized test.

I don't think the Court ever expected this mess when it decided Yoder. We've moved from the fundamental right to raise children to a fundamental right to keep children ignorant. And it's a shame that the good homeschoolers get painted with the same brush.

 

[Coconut36]

Some schools and some state education systems do link promotion in certain grades to passing the standardized test.

I don't think the Court ever expected this mess when it decided Yoder. We've moved from the fundamental right to raise children to a fundamental right to keep children ignorant. And it's a shame that the good homeschoolers get painted with the same brush.

Yep they certainly do. In my state kids have to pass a specific standardized test to graduate from high school and will have to pass another to be promoted from 3rd grade. They are most certainly linked to performance (and many places try or have linked them to teacher pay/performance as well).

Golfgal I would be amazed to find that any state uses standardized testing as a "guide, nothing more, nothing less". Most every district in every state puts pretty heavy emphasis on "the test" and that test is used to rank/"grade" schools, used to determine teacher pay/raises, used to determine if students may be promoted to a higher grade and so on. They are far far more than a "guide"! Here for example the scores result in a "grade" or label being placed on a school..if a school has a certain rating it is "taken over" and parents also have the right to remove their children and place them in another school/district at the expense of the failing school as an example. You seem a little misinformed regarding how those tests are often used and the importance placed on them in public schools.

Also since most homeschoolers teach at not only a different pace but in a different order it would be very difficult to apply a standardized test to them unless you made them legally obligated to follow a certain curriculum and defeating the entire purpose for many behind home schooling (and limiting their ability to do things like focuses on a given concept that the child struggles with or accelerating them in one area but not another).

 

[Nayan]

Yep they certainly do. In my state kids have to pass a specific standardized test to graduate from high school and will have to pass another to be promoted from 3rd grade. They are most certainly linked to performance (and many places try or have linked them to teacher pay/performance as well).

Golfgal I would be amazed to find that any state uses standardized testing as a "guide, nothing more, nothing less". Most every district in every state puts pretty heavy emphasis on "the test" and that test is used to rank/"grade" schools, used to determine teacher pay/raises, used to determine if students may be promoted to a higher grade and so on. They are far far more than a "guide"! Here for example the scores result in a "grade" or label being placed on a school..if a school has a certain rating it is "taken over" and parents also have the right to remove their children and place them in another school/district at the expense of the failing school as an example. You seem a little misinformed regarding how those tests are often used and the importance placed on them in public schools.

Also since most homeschoolers teach at not only a different pace but in a different order it would be very difficult to apply a standardized test to them unless you made them legally obligated to follow a certain curriculum and defeating the entire purpose for many behind home schooling (and limiting their ability to do things like focuses on a given concept that the child struggles with or accelerating them in one area but not another).

Here's a story on the FCAT standard test they use in Florida and how it not only affects teachers, but students. And not in a good way:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/editorials/new-signs-of-fcat-harm-1939426.html?cxtype=rss_editorials

 

[Coconut36]

Here's a story on the FCAT standard test they use in Florida and how it not only affects teachers, but students. And not in a good way:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/editorials/new-signs-of-fcat-harm-1939426.html?cxtype=rss_editorials

Yep..doesn't surprise me at all. My DH is a middle school math teacher..I don't know too many teachers that embrace "the test" and most can speak to how ineffective they are.

 

[Becky2005]

Yep they certainly do. In my state kids have to pass a specific standardized test to graduate from high school and will have to pass another to be promoted from 3rd grade. They are most certainly linked to performance (and many places try or have linked them to teacher pay/performance as well).

True...in a way, all you have to do is follow the money and that is where the standardized testing flows to. Although, I do wonder on those schools that require you to pass the test to move on or graduate - I wonder how many times you can take the test...I mean, if you don't pass 3rd grade for the 2nd or 3rd time are they really going to keep you in 3rd grade? At some point, they aren't going to want the age difference.

Same thing with graduating High School -- once they become 21 or 22, the administration isn't going to want them in the school system. This is providing they have passed classes but can't pass the test (or part of the test -- I'm going on the assumption you have to pass the entire test to pass your grade/graduate).

I know I'm a little jaded since I failed the PSAT miserably (or at least what I thought was miserable -- I couldn't tell you the numbers only that it made me feel like I was stupid) in High School so refused whatsoever to take the SAT because I didn't need a test telling me I was stupid. I did manage to graduate with High Honors though and got high grades at college. All I keep thinking with these "must pass test to graduate" is that I would freeze up completely if one test determined if I actually graduated or not & I'm sure I would bomb it.

 

[golfgal]

Yep they certainly do. In my state kids have to pass a specific standardized test to graduate from high school and will have to pass another to be promoted from 3rd grade. They are most certainly linked to performance (and many places try or have linked them to teacher pay/performance as well).

Golfgal I would be amazed to find that any state uses standardized testing as a "guide, nothing more, nothing less". Most every district in every state puts pretty heavy emphasis on "the test" and that test is used to rank/"grade" schools, used to determine teacher pay/raises, used to determine if students may be promoted to a higher grade and so on. They are far far more than a "guide"! Here for example the scores result in a "grade" or label being placed on a school..if a school has a certain rating it is "taken over" and parents also have the right to remove their children and place them in another school/district at the expense of the failing school as an example. You seem a little misinformed regarding how those tests are often used and the importance placed on them in public schools.

Also since most homeschoolers teach at not only a different pace but in a different order it would be very difficult to apply a standardized test to them unless you made them legally obligated to follow a certain curriculum and defeating the entire purpose for many behind home schooling (and limiting their ability to do things like focuses on a given concept that the child struggles with or accelerating them in one area but not another).

Our state does not use test scores to determine teacher raises, etc. We do have a grad standards test that kids have to pass to graduate but not one that is use to promote or hold back kids between grades. The grad standards tests do have an "out" for kids that won't be able to pass the test though. It isn't an absolute pass or fail situation.

I don't buy the "teach in a different order" business either. There are just some things that HAVE to be taught in order. You can't teach someone to divide without teaching addition, subtraction and multiplication--or heck, even just counting first. You can't teach someone to read without first teaching them what the letters look like and what sounds they make. Teaching physical science before earth science wouldn't matter really either. You can't teach physics without having a background in Algebra either.....

Standardized tests are not difficult if your child is at or above grade level. If your child is not at or above grade level, homeschool or traditional school, wouldn't you want to know?? One parent posted that their child tested AT grade level to get into a charter school. In most places in the country that would be BEHIND the rest of the class. At grade level typically means they are meeting the minimum requirements that the department of ed has determined a child in that grade should meet. That really isn't a good thing.

 

[Nayan]

Standardized tests are not difficult if your child is at or above grade level. If your child is not at or above grade level, homeschool or traditional school, wouldn't you want to know?? One parent posted that their child tested AT grade level to get into a charter school. In most places in the country that would be BEHIND the rest of the class. At grade level typically means they are meeting the minimum requirements that the department of ed has determined a child in that grade should meet. That really isn't a good thing.

The Dept of Ed is a joke to begin with and they don't really set the standard. If that was the case then there wouldn't be such an uproar over the new textbooks that Texas, and soon the rest of the states, will use for history:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/11/texas-history-education-s_n_1089181.html?ref=education

Now, if I lived in Texas and my son was in school you bet I'd be having a field day with this. If the Dept of Ed was so concerned don't you think they'd say something? Also, since it seems that many of the kids can't pass the state tests that tell them if they are ready for college and taxpayers like myself are paying for the schools to get them ready, don't you think that's a bit more important than what us honest homeschoolers are doing? I wanted to make sure my son got an education and that's why I homeschool. If I wanted him to excel at tests he would have went to school.

 

[Coconut36]

Our state does not use test scores to determine teacher raises, etc. We do have a grad standards test that kids have to pass to graduate but not one that is use to promote or hold back kids between grades. The grad standards tests do have an "out" for kids that won't be able to pass the test though. It isn't an absolute pass or fail situation.

I don't buy the "teach in a different order" business either. There are just some things that HAVE to be taught in order. You can't teach someone to divide without teaching addition, subtraction and multiplication--or heck, even just counting first. You can't teach someone to read without first teaching them what the letters look like and what sounds they make. Teaching physical science before earth science wouldn't matter really either. You can't teach physics without having a background in Algebra either.....

Standardized tests are not difficult if your child is at or above grade level. If your child is not at or above grade level, homeschool or traditional school, wouldn't you want to know?? One parent posted that their child tested AT grade level to get into a charter school. In most places in the country that would be BEHIND the rest of the class. At grade level typically means they are meeting the minimum requirements that the department of ed has determined a child in that grade should meet. That really isn't a good thing.

Tests aren't linked to teacher pay here either really (sort of..schools have to make a certain "grade" for teachers to get certain money in the fall...if a school fails the teachers get nothing..this is in excess of their salary and tied to some other factors as well but it is still being tied to some pay) but it most certainly impacts a school and the rating (and I am not talking about something like Great Schools but rather the state determination for the school..ours are letter grades now..A, B, C..etc) and a low enough rating results in schools losing funding and students. There are absolutely ties to graduation/diploma and grade promotion for them as well. Just because they don't right now impact who gets paid what does NOT mean they are not important and does not mean they are "just a guide". I would be extremely shocked if your public schools do little to nothing in regards to the tests because they are a huge part of NCLB.

In regards to teaching out of order..I don't think you are understanding at all..homeschoolers can teach at whatever pace they deem appropriate for their child..it is one of the big benefits of it. What at least I was trying to say is that they don't follow the same curriculum expected of a public/private school..if they need to or want to they might spend an entire year working on the basics of addition and subtraction..but based on public schools they should be doing fractions..my ODS is in 2nd grade and doing fractions right now..a homeschooler might not touch fractions for several more years because they want to focus on addition, subtraction and multiplication. They may teach American History before they teach state history or they might teach a concept in science before another. They might focus on reading or vocabulary in a different manner and order than the public/private schools as they have the luxury of setting it to suit their learner..some may choose a year to focus more on reading, less on math or more in science (or like some I know who do integrated lessons where they use math, reading, and science while studying about Alaska for example). I guess I can't figure out why you don't understand that..they don't and shouldn't be required to do things exactly when the public schools are..let's be honest..obviously we are doing things in schools that aren't working and homeschooling is often about being able to address individual learners on a personal basis not making it a one size fits all education. Boys for example learn to read often later than girls..a homeschooling parent could put their focus on math or handwriting while their child matures in reading..this is what I think most are talking about in regards to not being in a standard order.

Also tests are NOT a good judge of true learning either. I believe there are plenty of studies out there that explain why they don't and how ineffective they are as a measure of success.

Also for a homeschooler no it probably doesn't matter in regards to "grade level" and many don't focus on learning in a grade level specific manner so it really doesn't matter to them what the Dept of Ed says a 2nd grader should know because they don't agree with the speed or order or way it is taught..as I mentioned a homeschooler might put off fractions in "2nd grade" and wait until later while they emphasize basics like addition, subtraction and multiplication..so their kid wouldn't test in the same way a public school kid would and that isn't a bad thing because it doesn't mean they will never learn that concept..just that they haven't yet. Me I would like them to be able to focus on something until they "get it" because if you don't reinforce and make sure those basic building blocks are solid in their head they are going to struggle later on..instead right now there is always a push to move on to the next concept kids end up behind and then fall further and further behind because of how concepts often build off each other. Homeschoolers can easily address this by sticking to things until they determine a certain skillset and moving on to a progressively difficult concept.

 

[golfgal]

The Dept of Ed is a joke to begin with and they don't really set the standard. If that was the case then there wouldn't be such an uproar over the new textbooks that Texas, and soon the rest of the states, will use for history:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/11/texas-history-education-s_n_1089181.html?ref=education

Now, if I lived in Texas and my son was in school you bet I'd be having a field day with this. If the Dept of Ed was so concerned don't you think they'd say something? Also, since it seems that many of the kids can't pass the state tests that tell them if they are ready for college and taxpayers like myself are paying for the schools to get them ready, don't you think that's a bit more important than what us honest homeschoolers are doing? I wanted to make sure my son got an education and that's why I homeschool. If I wanted him to excel at tests he would have went to school.

I guess I was thinking more of the department of ed for each district....at least that is how it works here. We have something on the state level but each district comes up with their own curriculum and standards for graduation-they just can't be less strict then the basic state standards. Tests are NOT the focus of education here and frankly, in MOST states. There are SOME states where they do "teach to the test". The teachers in our district spend some class time on test taking strategy before the standardized tests but they certainly haven't cut the extras just so the kids can pass a math test.

 

[Coconut36]

I guess I was thinking more of the department of ed for each district....at least that is how it works here. We have something on the state level but each district comes up with their own curriculum and standards for graduation-they just can't be less strict then the basic state standards. Tests are NOT the focus of education here and frankly, in MOST states. There are SOME states where they do "teach to the test". The teachers in our district spend some class time on test taking strategy before the standardized tests but they certainly haven't cut the extras just so the kids can pass a math test.

I think claiming tests are not a focus in "most" states is highly inaccurate. Because of NCLB those tests have created a real impact on schools..especially in regards to how they are rated as a result of the test..meaning if they don't score high enough they can be shut down or taken over by a private company, charter school or the state. I can't believe for a moment even in your state they think "la la la..no biggie" because they are still held to the NCLB accountability standards in regards to progress and yearly scores/ratings just like any other school in any other state and they still risk being taken over or shut down if they have a streak of crappy scores.

Yes most districts adapt their standards from the state standards..they have to meet or exceed the state standards though. If the state had crappy or inadequate standards though it really doesn't matter as they all model their standards from the basics sent down by the state..crappy can result in equally crappy at the district level as well.

 

[knitster]

One parent posted that their child tested AT grade level to get into a charter school. In most places in the country that would be BEHIND the rest of the class. At grade level typically means they are meeting the minimum requirements that the department of ed has determined a child in that grade should meet. That really isn't a good thing.

I'm the one who posted that my son tested at grade level, and you're clearly confused about what I was saying or I didn't communicate well. My son took a placement test to enter Connections Academy, which is a public school that is done at home via online studies and text books. He was entering the 4th grade and he tested at mid 4th grade level - meaning that he was on the same level as a typical child who was half way through their 4th grade year even though he had only been through his 2rd grade year.

 

[MrsPete]

I think that people who have never homeschooled have a hard time really grasping why standardized testing will never work for homeschooled children.

No, I don't think it's a difficult concept -- it's just different from school.

I teach almost 60 students in my two academic classes. I give them quizzes and tests because I can't talk to every one of them one-on-one to see just how much they're understanding. Plus, a test gives them all the same chance -- it's not that I was in a hurry while talking to one, or in a better mood while talking to another. And I need concrete numbers that I can pass on to parents /the administrators to prove that the student has achieved X amount of knowledge on the subject.

On the other hand, a parent who's working one-on-one has a much better idea of whether his child understands the material. And he has less need for documenting it for others.

Because the government is so good at it .

Oh, it's absolutely true that not all kids in public school are getting the education that they should -- BUT the thing is, public school has "checks and balances" to catch these situations. I'm thinking of two kids in my class this year who are doing everything they possibly can to avoid learning anything. They're behavior problems, they won't take part in anything academic, and their parents are not at all supportive. We aren't likely to be successful with these two. BUT every one of their teachers have reported them to the office. Their guidance counselors, the administrators, the school social workers are all trying to do something to motivate these two -- and their parents.

These two kids are pretty extreme examples, and in spite of all our best efforts, I don't think we're going to get them to "see the light". BUT people are aware and people are trying.

The thing with homeschooling is that unless someone like the OP notices and steps up to report it, no one may know. The end may be the same -- the child may not "be saved" -- but there's a greater chance in public school that the problem'll be noticed.

Yep they certainly do. In my state kids have to pass a specific standardized test to graduate from high school and will have to pass another to be promoted from 3rd grade. They are most certainly linked to performance (and many places try or have linked them to teacher pay/performance as well).

Ah, yes, they say, "You have to pass to move on to the next grade" . . . but what actually happens is that the few kids who don't pass are required to attend a couple-weeks summer school program, and then they move on with their class.

Then they hit high school, and they don't understand that they really DO have to pass their classes -- we don't offer a you-didn't-really-pass-3rd-grade-but-you-can-make-it-up-in-two-weeks option.

I would be extremely shocked if your public schools do little to nothing in regards to the tests because they are a huge part of NCLB . . .

Also tests are NOT a good judge of true learning either. I believe there are plenty of studies out there that explain why they don't and how ineffective they are as a measure of success.

You know that NCLB is yesterday's news? NCLB was George Bush's baby, and it's been replaced by Obama's Race to the Top initiative. The two are rather similar, but Plan Obama isn't getting the same press that NCLB did.

You can find studies to prove that testing's great . . . or that testing's awful. But the reality of group schooling is that testing is the least expensive, most time-efficient way to measure what a large group's learned. LOADS of stuff goes into testing that the general public doesn't grasp, and the things that really matter aren't the things that people discuss.

I can't believe for a moment even in your state they think "la la la..no biggie" because they are still held to the NCLB accountability standards in regards to progress and yearly scores

Actually, of the tests that we've been forced to give over the last 6-8 years, only three remain -- that's about 1/3 of what we administered just a couple years ago. New tests and new standards are being developed for the future, but they aren't here yet -- we're in something of a no-man's land in between programs. I'm really surprised that so many people think NCLB is still alive and well.

 

[Coconut36]

No, I don't think it's a difficult concept -- it's just different from school.

I teach almost 60 students in my two academic classes. I give them quizzes and tests because I can't talk to every one of them one-on-one to see just how much they're understanding. Plus, a test gives them all the same chance -- it's not that I was in a hurry while talking to one, or in a better mood while talking to another. And I need concrete numbers that I can pass on to parents /the administrators to prove that the student has achieved X amount of knowledge on the subject.

On the other hand, a parent who's working one-on-one has a much better idea of whether his child understands the material. And he has less need for documenting it for others. Oh, it's absolutely true that not all kids in public school are getting the education that they should -- BUT the thing is, public school has "checks and balances" to catch these situations. I'm thinking of two kids in my class this year who are doing everything they possibly can to avoid learning anything. They're behavior problems, they won't take part in anything academic, and their parents are not at all supportive. We aren't likely to be successful with these two. BUT every one of their teachers have reported them to the office. Their guidance counselors, the administrators, the school social workers are all trying to do something to motivate these two -- and their parents.

These two kids are pretty extreme examples, and in spite of all our best efforts, I don't think we're going to get them to "see the light". BUT people are aware and people are trying.

The thing with homeschooling is that unless someone like the OP notices and steps up to report it, no one may know. The end may be the same -- the child may not "be saved" -- but there's a greater chance in public school that the problem'll be noticed. Ah, yes, they say, "You have to pass to move on to the next grade" . . . but what actually happens is that the few kids who don't pass are required to attend a couple-weeks summer school program, and then they move on with their class.

Then they hit high school, and they don't understand that they really DO have to pass their classes -- we don't offer a you-didn't-really-pass-3rd-grade-but-you-can-make-it-up-in-two-weeks option. You know that NCLB is yesterday's news? NCLB was George Bush's baby, and it's been replaced by Obama's Race to the Top initiative. The two are rather similar, but Plan Obama isn't getting the same press that NCLB did.

You can find studies to prove that testing's great . . . or that testing's awful. But the reality of group schooling is that testing is the least expensive, most time-efficient way to measure what a large group's learned. LOADS of stuff goes into testing that the general public doesn't grasp, and the things that really matter aren't the things that people discuss.Actually, of the tests that we've been forced to give over the last 6-8 years, only three remain -- that's about 1/3 of what we administered just a couple years ago. New tests and new standards are being developed for the future, but they aren't here yet -- we're in something of a no-man's land in between programs. I'm really surprised that so many people think NCLB is still alive and well.

Yeah no it isn't "a couple of weeks of summer school". My DH and my Mom both teach. I am not ignorant to how things work and they are changing it to be even more stringent in regards to passing and being promoted in 3rd grade I believe it is. Absolutely it gets worse in high school..I know of a child who has always had difficulties with reading and writing..she never tested with any sort of disability but it was always a big issue. She did not pass any of the tests and in her time she was able to graduate by doing something else because of how the test was rolled out..that is no longer an option as I understand it.

As for NCLB and "thinking it is still alive and well"..yeah it is still alive and well. Those that had to be educated under it have lingering impacts from it and right now the new standards and standardized testing are not fully in place. NCLB has not be dismantled entirely and still hangs out as things are slowly changed and rolled out. My DH worked on teams this summer regarding standards and testing changes so I am not clueless here nor am I mistaken in regards to there still being after effects and regulations/rules..etc in place from NCLB.

 

[MrsPete]

Yeah no it isn't "a couple of weeks of summer school". My DH and my Mom both teach. I am not ignorant to how things work and they are changing it to be even more stringent in regards to passing and being promoted in 3rd grade I believe it is. Absolutely it gets worse in high school..I know of a child who has always had difficulties with reading and writing..she never tested with any sort of disability but it was always a big issue. She did not pass any of the tests and in her time she was able to graduate by doing something else because of how the test was rolled out..that is no longer an option as I understand it.

As for NCLB and "thinking it is still alive and well"..yeah it is still alive and well. Those that had to be educated under it have lingering impacts from it and right now the new standards and standardized testing are not fully in place. NCLB has not be dismantled entirely and still hangs out as things are slowly changed and rolled out. My DH worked on teams this summer regarding standards and testing changes so I am not clueless here nor am I mistaken in regards to there still being after effects and regulations/rules..etc in place from NCLB.

Maybe your DH'll mention this to my boss, who's making us attend workshops and listen to speakers discuss the changes that're upon us?

I do agree that damage lingers from NCLB, and I don't predict that the new concept'll be any better.

 

[Coconut36]

Maybe your DH'll mention this to my boss, who's making us attend workshops and listen to speakers discuss the changes that're upon us?

I do agree that damage lingers from NCLB, and I don't predict that the new concept'll be any better.

That's the key here..you are saying it's "gone" but it isn't..as you just said they are just now making you attend things for the changes..meaning that until they are fully out and implemented NCLB is still in place..it's not like schools are in limbo with nothing right now.

 

[HelenePA]

All this talk of standerdized testing makes me wanna brag so much about how my dd did on her's in 2nd grade but... I know in the end I will be thrown to the wolves, told how much it doesn't matter and have everyone say their kid did better... =)