What do you this of this?

[Justanopinion]

What do you think of this and does your district or a district near you do this?

We are in Texas. Our state tests are called the TAKS.

TAKS tests are taken by 3rd graders and up. As a Jr. you take your exit TAKS so that if you don't pass you have all of your Sr. year to pass it.

Our district has 5 schools. We have Pre K and K. Then 1st through 3rd grade. Then 4th and 5th grade. Middle school is 6th grade through 8th grade. And lastly high school is 9th through 12th.

Well, they started something new this year. If a child passed the TAKS test on the first try then they got out of school two weeks early. Their last day was May 22. For Pre K through 2nd grade and all those that did not pass they get out of school June 5.

Well, it didn't affect my child this year as she is only in Pre K but we thought we noticed a difference in the amount of cars in the pick up line so I asked. The school informed me that they hadn't really been affected attendance wise by this but that other schools had. Big brother passed and got out early so parents were going ahead and not sending little sibling even though they didn't pass.

I just don't know what to think of this new policy. It seems to me that it would affect some of the kids self esteem. I mean it makes it obvious as to who passed and who didn't.

I know 2 families that are very close. The one family watches the kids after school for the other since one is a single dad and he works. Well, the one family all the kids passed and their kids have been out of school but the other family the two kids didn't pass and they still have to attend.

It just doesn't seem right but I'm not sure how I feel about it. Give me your opinions.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sounds like complete horsecarp to me.

Let's see when we were in TX my dd failed the Math part by 10pts, her Soph. yr. Passed it her JR YR.

I feel sorry for parents of teens that have to deal with THAT.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

we're in Texas and my mom teaches elementary...I know that her district doesn't have anything like that...it's kinda crazy to me.

edited to add:

I know when I was in school(when it was still the TAAS test) we'd get a field trip if we passed at the end of the year...to a kids movie and lunch or to Six Flags over Texas or the zoo....not 2 weeks early out of school!

 

[happygirl]

I dunno if this is the way to reward kids for good test scores. I do think the kids need a reward

 

[EthansMom]

It seems like they are treating school attendance as a punishment. And also as if they are punishing children who, for whatever reason, didn't learn the material. It's a ridiculous approach and gives entirely the wrong message to children about the values of education, IMO.

Standardized testing is intended to be a test about the ability of the teacher and school to adequately educate the students in core material. The belief that every single child will perform well on the test is outrageous.... For a myriad of reasons, you'll never get every single child to meet the expectations.

The school year should be X number of days for all students. Students who aren't able to perform at grade level should be evaluated for retention in that grade or extra help (summer school, tutoring, in-school help next year).

Testing is a great way to get an idea of how well the teachers are teaching and how well the students are grasping the material. But the emphasis on "the test" is misplaced. Our educational system should emphasize teaching each child to perform to the best of his/her individual abilities rather than "how to answer X, Y, and Z types of questions in the manner approved by some beaurecrat(sp?)".

We call NCLB, "No Child Left Untested". In our district, they started noticeably teaching to the 3rd Grade test at the beginning of the 2nd Grade. Hours and hours of instructional time are spent teaching exactly the same style of questions/answers as will be on the actual test.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

Also in Texas and we don't have that. I don't know how they do that since the state mandates the number of days school has to be in session. How can they miss 2 weeks of school?

 

[Justanopinion]

**** ISD is participating in the Flexible Day Waiver for students in grades 3-11. Students have to pass all sections of the TAKS. Students that meet these requirements will be exempt from school for the last 9 days of the 2008-2009 school year.

Students that attend school after May 22 will receive small group instruction that focuses on specific, targeted instruction designed to increase student success.

Parents of students who passed all TAKS tests may choose for their student to continue to attend school through June 5, 2009.

Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 2 will continue to attend school through June 5, 2009.

If you have any questions about this measure, please contact your campus principal



copied this from our weekly newsletter.

 

[Gina]

Texas here too, and have never heard of that. The TEA requires a specific # of school days -- my son's district had to request a special circumstances waiver in order for the kids to not have to make up the nearly 2 weeks they missed due to Ike.

 

[okeydokey]

If my kid didn't pass I may actually appreciate a couple of weeks of small group instruction without the distraction of a full classroom. It may help them out.

 

[PaulaSue]

Very Strange! Glad they don't have that here. I can imagne the drama it would cause in my house if 1 or 2 got out early and the 3rd didn't.

 

[m&m's mom]

What school district are you in?
I am in Flower Mound and LISD and we sure do not have that. Have to admit I would love it.
My understanding is the whole idea is to concentrate on the kids that need it.

 

[EMom]

Geez Louise, where in Texas are you? I'd be all over that policy! At DD's school, something like 99% of the kids pass the TAKS, so the school would be empty. The teachers would be in heaven and we'd be on vacation. But I suppose with 99% passing, they have no reason to give us an "incentive" do they? Does your district have a lower passing rate that they are trying to raise?

The "flexible" plan you are referencing must not dock the school for the allowed absences. Our school has a fit if we take a kid out for a day because it means they miss out on a day's funding for that kid. Two weeks' funding would be a big hit, so your school district must still get the money for the absent kids.

I have to say, this year seems like a bad year to try this plan. If your school is like many, it missed a decent amount of school due to Ike and maybe some due to swine flu. (depends on location, I guess) Some schools missed 2-6 weeks. The kids can't afford another 2 weeks.

All that being said, I hate that freaking TAKS test. DD does very well on it, but the pressure is ridiculous.