ok, not really related to this board (again)

[nicurn]

kate comes home today with a letter from the 3rd grade saying something to the effect of we have been given the opportunity to take the metropolitan achievenment test (in addition to the damn sol tests in may mind you) and this is an excellent way to prepare for the sol's. Does anyone know what exactly this test is? (can't say I've ever heard of it). thanks, maggie

 

[JulianneP]

whoa! Don't get me started with the topic of standard testing!! But no I have never heard that one. We didn't use that at my school and I don't think my sister uses it in Fairfax County. Just what those third graders need a little more pressure on top of the SOL's. I'm sure those classroom teachers don't mind taking away more classroom time to teach to those test too. Yuk!!

 

[JudithM]

I am so tired of "teaching for the test." There goes any creativity & fun the teacher might want to use so the children can learn. Across the river from you Maryland begins a round of standardized tests this week.

 

[nicurn]

hi again, that note just put me right over the edge is pretty much all I can say. I would really like to know if it's all loudoun county 3rd graders getting this "oportunity" or just us since we are a title one school.... (you don't want to get me started on that either, it's not pretty) Anyhow, we are now looking into private school for 5th grade since I think it's too late for 4th grade. UGGGGGHHHHH! maggie

 

[rvoto]

MAT test are more about the teachers than the students. It is to show how well the subjects have been taught The scores need to be above average or the schools get in trouble. so they are sweating it more than the kids.

 

[soccerchick]

I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure it is a set of standardized tests similar to the Iowas and other tests that we used to take pre-SOLs to determine reading level, etc. Among other things, they helped determine where students were performing (above, at, below grade level) , ID for special services (from gifted to spec. ed, etc). Send your principal an e-mail or ask when you are there volunterring.

Either the school system or the school itself probably purchased the tests as part of their plan to improve sol scores. I agree that standardized testing has a ton of problems inherent in them. However, they are a part of life in schools across the country now thanks to SOLs and NCLB. You can certainly tell the school that your daughter will not be taking the MAT and "opt" her out, either officially or by not sending her to school that morning (inconvenient, yes, but you do what you gotta do sometimes).

Another way to look at it is that she will have to take the SOLs in May. This is a chance to practice taking a standardized test that will, in fact, probably help her in May. Just being familiar with the testing format does help students, at least according to all the SAT materials I have read.

Good luck!