Who is refusing Common Core tests for 3rd-8th graders?

[AnAmericanInDisney]

In Indiana and quite a few other states, not one penny of collected tax payer dollars goes to funding high school sports or sports in any grade level. All sports money is funded by the athletic department which gets its money from tickets, concessions, fund raisers, and donations. Many school districts even require each specific sport to cover its own bus transportation. That includes stadiums, fields, equipment, etc... Many high schools in our state are going to all turf fields. Cost vary from $200,00-$400,000. All that money is donated or raised and cannot come from tax collected funds.

Now, if you want to build a new stadium or field they can ask for a referendum which must be voted on by the public in the next election. Then, that money can be used for such things.

I would support that system, except it doesn't address hiring teachers just to coach.

Is that a recent development, because there used to be basketball arenas at high schools and the tax structure was not at all like that when I lived there? I can't find anything about it online.

 

[Happy Snowman]

It's not the school district decision, who has power over taxes levied is decided legislatively at the state level.

You are thinking of major D1 football programs, which are supported by major donors and self-sustaining. Smaller state schools' programs and their stadiums are paid for with tax dollars, as are natatoriums, travel for sports programs, etc. These are a drain on education dollars, and let's face it, how many of those kids are going to play football professionally or swim in the Olympics? If you aren't D1, what's the point in the program? I suggest you look into this subject a little further.

Sorry, but in our area, it most certainly is the individual districts that decide bonds and levies. The school boards put the proposals together but the passage of these are left up to the residents of that district via ballot questions.

I'm not thinking of just DI programs, many, many, many smaller schools have self-sustaining football programs and facilities are almost always built with private donations. I suggest YOU look into this further....maybe even just drive around a few campuses and look at the names on the buildings even...

As for the "point" of a program, well, same thing as it is in high school, it's a way to help produce well rounded graduates and a way to get involved in your school, stay physically fit and stay involved in an activity you likely have participated in for many, many years. Again, the budget for the sports programs are very, very, very small part of the overall operating costs of any college or high school....

 

[okeydokey]

Sorry, but in our area, it most certainly is the individual districts that decide bonds and levies. The school boards put the proposals together but the passage of these are left up to the residents of that district via ballot questions.

I'm not thinking of just DI programs, many, many, many smaller schools have self-sustaining football programs and facilities are almost always built with private donations. I suggest YOU look into this further....maybe even just drive around a few campuses and look at the names on the buildings even...

As for the "point" of a program, well, same thing as it is in high school, it's a way to help produce well rounded graduates and a way to get involved in your school, stay physically fit and stay involved in an activity you likely have participated in for many, many years. Again, the budget for the sports programs are very, very, very small part of the overall operating costs of any college or high school....

The budget and support for sports is WAY WAY higher at our local public schools than any other extra curricular, including the arts. In fact, sports players can miss school days for games and competitions and other groups cannot. I know your kid(s) benefited from golf, and that is great, but many others benefit from band or theater or culinary, and they are no where near as funded as sports.

 

[Happy Snowman]

Since Indiana was mentioned, here is the budget for the U of Indiana smaller college system. Pay special attention to U Indy's sports budget, a very, very, very small portion of the overall budget...and they have a very healthy sports program...one of the top DII programs in the nation..heck the Office of Multicultural Affairs has a bigger budget then the sports department at most of these schools....

http://www.indiana.edu/~obap/docs/obud_FY1213.pdf

 

[Happy Snowman]

The budget and support for sports is WAY WAY higher at our local public schools than any other extra curricular, including the arts. In fact, sports players can miss school days for games and competitions and other groups cannot. I know your kid(s) benefited from golf, and that is great, but many others benefit from band or theater or culinary, and they are no where near as funded as sports.

My kids were band kids....the band has a far bigger budget than the football team....and gets way more recognition....and gets excused absences for band related activities several times/year. The theater program puts on 4 large productions each year and a few smaller ones. They have a very healthy budget as well as support through ticket sales...much larger than what the football team gets.....

 

[nugov2]

Great article.

http://amomssparetime.blogspot.com/2015/03/sowhy-is-everyone-so-upset-its-just.html

http://www.plunderbund.com/2015/02/22/do-parcc-reading-passages-exceed-tested-grade-levels/

Setting up kids to fail:

Do PARCC Reading Passages Exceed Tested Grade Levels?

Using an online tool — Readability-Score.com — we followed-up on readers’ tips and have independently analyzed the reading levels of every single passage on all of the PARCC practice reading tests. Our analysis reveals that the majority of the passages are above the grade level for which the test is designed. With the actual PARCC assessments hidden from public view, this analysis is all that can be performed objectively and we must assume that these tests are an accurate representation of the those that students will be taking that will determine their “ability” and be used to assign grades to Ohio’s teachers, schools, and districts.

Each grade level (3-8) has two practice tests available. The first is the Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) that is to be given in February, and an End Of Year (EOY) test that is given in April. The results you’ll see are reported by a number where the whole number represents the grade and the decimal represents the month. For example, a reading level of 5.4 means that the reading selection is appropriate for the fifth grade, fourth month (i.e., approximately December of Grade 5).


It’s one thing to provide enough “stretch” on the assessments to allow advanced students to demonstrate higher ability, but when more than half of the test questions are based on these higher-level passages, even the “average” student is likely going to obtain a result that is not reflective of his/her true knowledge or ability (specifically see EOY assessments for grades 4-7).

Again, besides spending time researching obscure blogs and websites what are you both doing to change anything in your district? You are both good at finding these unsupported claims, but it isn't going to help your children. I actually feel bad for your kids, not only are they in a district where the academics are failing, but their parents are more concerned about convincing people on the internet that they are right instead of actually trying to make changes in their district. Now if you are actually doing things I apologize, but I have asked it a couple of times and even more so of you Jodifla and never get an answer. Not that you owe me one, but I would think if you are going to constantly criticize something you would also want people to know all of the ways YOU are helping to make the situation better for your children to 1. make your complaints more credible and 2. help others who are facing the same issues. You need to focus on what you can change and work hard to achieve it as there are plenty of districts succeeding with both CC and PARCC in place.

 

[jodifla]

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2015/03/michigans_teacher_of_the_year.html
Michigan's teacher of the year blasts standardized testing, says educators want more input on policy
DETROIT, MI -- Michigan's teacher of the year railed against standardized testing while emphasizing that teachers should be respected during a speech in front of a crowd of education and business sector officials Tuesday.
Melody AraboCourtesy of GES2

At the Governor's Education Summit and Governor's Economic Summit, held together for the first time at the Renaissance Center earlier this week, Melody Arabo won over the crowd with a rousing speech. Arabo is the 2014-15 Michigan teacher of the year and teaches third grade at Keith Elementary School in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District.

During her speech, Arabo gave a list of qualities that employers want from employees, nearly all of which were intrinsic human qualities and not facts that are taught in school. She said the private sector is telling educators that they want well-rounded people, but those in charge of education policy have yet to figure out how to measure those qualities.

"If these are our goals for kids, how do we measure them?" she asked. "How do we test qualities like human innovation on a multiple choice test? We can't. Do we even need to?"


She added that some students "don't do well on standardized tests because they don't have standardized minds. Why should any mind be standard?"

 

[okeydokey]

My kids were band kids....the band has a far bigger budget than the football team....and gets way more recognition....and gets excused absences for band related activities several times/year. The theater program puts on 4 large productions each year and a few smaller ones. They have a very healthy budget as well as support through ticket sales...much larger than what the football team gets.....

Must be nice. Once again, everything is regional.

 

[Happy Snowman]

Must be nice. Once again, everything is regional.

yep, it is nice..and it's not really regional, its local, and we paid a lot in taxes to have the benefit of having a lot of programs for our kids....but, there are a lot of places in the country that won't pay to have those programs so....it is what it is....

 

[nugov2]

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2015/03/michigans_teacher_of_the_year.html
Michigan's teacher of the year blasts standardized testing, says educators want more input on policy
DETROIT, MI -- Michigan's teacher of the year railed against standardized testing while emphasizing that teachers should be respected during a speech in front of a crowd of education and business sector officials Tuesday.
Melody AraboCourtesy of GES2

At the Governor's Education Summit and Governor's Economic Summit, held together for the first time at the Renaissance Center earlier this week, Melody Arabo won over the crowd with a rousing speech. Arabo is the 2014-15 Michigan teacher of the year and teaches third grade at Keith Elementary School in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District.

During her speech, Arabo gave a list of qualities that employers want from employees, nearly all of which were intrinsic human qualities and not facts that are taught in school. She said the private sector is telling educators that they want well-rounded people, but those in charge of education policy have yet to figure out how to measure those qualities.

"If these are our goals for kids, how do we measure them?" she asked. "How do we test qualities like human innovation on a multiple choice test? We can't. Do we even need to?"


She added that some students "don't do well on standardized tests because they don't have standardized minds. Why should any mind be standard?"

The sad thing that this teacher doesn't realize is that the standardized tests are supposed to be just one of MANY components of a childs education. It is when districts and teachers decide it is a good idea to teach to the test and make it the only component that they take away the opportunity to develop well rounded people. Those in charge(while certainly making many mistakes) are not asking schools to do that, the districts are making that decision b/c for some reason they do not trust that their skills as educators will be enough to have children do relatively well on tests and only focus on that b/c of the money tied to the test results. Those aren't goals for our kids in many areas of the country only goals in areas with failing/struggling schools. The sad thing is the people working in those districts can't see that they are feeding the beast by teaching to the test and buying premade curriculum. We will never see a time where standardized tests don't make up some component of measuring students, they do have a place when implemented the proper way. Hopefully in time all districts will be able to find a balance and give their students the education they deserve.

 

[AnAmericanInDisney]

Since Indiana was mentioned, here is the budget for the U of Indiana smaller college system. Pay special attention to U Indy's sports budget, a very, very, very small portion of the overall budget...and they have a very healthy sports program...one of the top DII programs in the nation..heck the Office of Multicultural Affairs has a bigger budget then the sports department at most of these schools....

http://www.indiana.edu/~obap/docs/obud_FY1213.pdf

Indiana's a perfect example. There's no reason to have sports at the regional IU and Purdue campuses. Have a small rec center to work out. The rest of it is waste.

 

[okeydokey]

yep, it is nice..and it's not really regional, its local, and we paid a lot in taxes to have the benefit of having a lot of programs for our kids....but, there are a lot of places in the country that won't pay to have those programs so....it is what it is....

Sometimes it has nothing to do with funding, but with priorities. In the South, football is king. Our HS principal is also an ex-coach and he supports sports over other groups. Our band is fantastic though, one of the best in the area. The Director is truly awesome and has worked hard to create a top of the line program, working with very little but with motivated students. The band room is small and disgusting, but the new weight lifting room next store is state of the art.

 

[AnAmericanInDisney]

Sorry, but in our area, it most certainly is the individual districts that decide bonds and levies. The school boards put the proposals together but the passage of these are left up to the residents of that district via ballot questions.

I'm not thinking of just DI programs, many, many, many smaller schools have self-sustaining football programs and facilities are almost always built with private donations. I suggest YOU look into this further....maybe even just drive around a few campuses and look at the names on the buildings even...

As for the "point" of a program, well, same thing as it is in high school, it's a way to help produce well rounded graduates and a way to get involved in your school, stay physically fit and stay involved in an activity you likely have participated in for many, many years. Again, the budget for the sports programs are very, very, very small part of the overall operating costs of any college or high school....

I have no problem with private colleges funding sports. For anything but D1 state schools, it's a waste of tax money.

Not ALL states have the same funding structure for their public K-12 schools. I don't know how else I can spell that out for you.

 

[jodifla]

UK site? no.

http://www.plunderbund.com/plunderbund-about/

Plunderbund is a political blog focusing on Ohio and national politics. Loyal readers can tell you that we often use humor to make our points, but also do intense research and break news stories as well.

 

[jodifla]

Another high profile teacher leaving because of the testing:

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2015/02/10/onslaught-tests-burn-elyria-high-starr/

Starr garnered a reputation of being a rock star teacher long before “Live with Kelly and Michael” picked her as the winner of the 2014 Top Teacher Search. She has mentored middle school boys, putting books in the hands of at-risk youth and ties on their necks to foster a sense of pride. Handing out high school diplomas to those same students was a highlight of her career, a testament that getting a child to graduation sometimes requires more than just lesson plans and homework.

The tests are developmentally inappropriate for typical students and torture for those with special needs, she said. And, even an individual education plan is not enough to shield students from the rigors of state expectations.

“I have faith in my students, but my students are reading at sometimes a fourth- and fifth-grade reading level,” she said. “Each and every day, I have to look in my students’ eyes and tell them I can’t help them because the state has decided they have to prove what they know.”

 

[nugov2]

The budget and support for sports is WAY WAY higher at our local public schools than any other extra curricular, including the arts. In fact, sports players can miss school days for games and competitions and other groups cannot. I know your kid(s) benefited from golf, and that is great, but many others benefit from band or theater or culinary, and they are no where near as funded as sports.

I can't speak for everywhere, but that is not the case in our area either. Our HS school offers:

Music Department consists of multiple extracurricular music groups, including the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Concert Bands, two jazz ensembles, (Jazz I and II), pep band, orchestra, guitar studio, piano, multiple choirs, including Madrigal Singers, and the school's marching band,

teams for young men and women in basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field,volleyball, and water polo, badminton, cheerleading, softball, baseball, football, and wrestling.

Activities and Clubs

• JROTC
• Animation Classes
• Art Club
• Book Club
• Chess Club
• Class Officers
• Computer Tech Club
• Creative Writing Club
• Environmental Action Club
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• Fishing Club
• Future Business Leaders of America
• Future Educators of America
• Future Farmers of America
• Gold Mine
• Interact Club
• International Club
• Intramurals
• Jazz Band
• Junior Classical League
• Key Club
• LEO Club
• Literary Magazine
• Madrigals
• Marching Knights
• Color Guard
• Mathletes
• Men's Choir
• Mu Alpha Theta
• National Honor Society
• Newspaper
• Orchesis
• Peer Helpers
• Link Crew
• Pep Band
• Pi Sigma Pi
• Scholastic Bowl
• Science Club
• Skills USA
• Snowball
• Speech Team
• Spring Musical
• Student Ambassadors
• Student Council
• Student Athletic Training
• SADD / TATU
• T.E.A.M Asset
• TV Production
• Theatre Company
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Vocal Jazz Ensemble
• Winter Guard
• Women's Choir
• Yearbook

Then here are some electives you can take at our HS

Band

Choir

Drawing I

Drawing II

Painting I

Painting II

AP Studio Art

Graphic Design I

Graphic Design II

Ceramics II

Art Fundamentals

Beginning Strings

Photography II

String Orchestra

Music Technology I

Music Technology II

Intermediate Strings

Ceramics I

Exploring the Arts Through Ages

Exploring/Appreciating Modern Art

Music Seminar

Advanced Jr-Sr Studio Art

Animation I

Animation II

Guitar I

Guitar II

Jewelry I

Jewelry II

Music Technology III

Photography I

Piano I

I do see a lack of culinary programs at our school, I wonder why as they seem to offer so much. Our band and theater kids for sure miss school, but I don't have a HS so can only speak of what I know from friends with HS students.

 

[jodifla]

Gee, more than 10 percent:

http://www.njherald.com/story/28265967/2015/03/04/41-in-some-schools-refuse-parcc-testing

41% in some schools refuse PARCC testing
Posted: Mar 04, 2015 10:04 PM EST Updated: Mar 04, 2015 10:04 PM EST

By DIANA GOOVAERTS

dgoovaerts@njherald.com

As PARCC testing kicks into full gear this week in school districts across the state, parents opposing the new exams are making themselves heard by pouring a veritable avalanche of refusal letters into local schools.

After an initially calm response to the test, Superintendent Brian Fogelson said North Warren Regional High School parents began flooding the administration with refusal letters last week. The result, he said, is that 41 percent of test-eligible students have refused, including 73 percent of students in grade 11.

“The refusals really started to develop about a week and a half ago because we started with very few,” Fogelson said Wednesday. “People got on the bandwagon. I think that parents are trying to make a statement that they feel their children are being over-tested.”

 

[Happy Snowman]

Indiana's a perfect example. There's no reason to have sports at the regional IU and Purdue campuses. Have a small rec center to work out. The rest of it is waste.

right....

 

[jodifla]

Another look at the PARCC reading levels from Russ Walsh of the College Reading Program at Rider Univesity in N. J.:



http://russonreading.blogspot.com/2015/02/parcc-tests-and-readability-close-look.html?m=1

Sunday, February 8, 2015
PARCC Tests and Readability: A Close Look

I approach the subject of readability on the new PARCC tests with caution. Readability is the third rail for literacy specialists. While The Literacy Dictionary, definesreadability as "an objective estimate or prediction of reading comprehension of material in terms of grade level", such objectivity does not ensure accuracy. All sorts of formulas for estimating readability exist and all of them are both useful and inaccurate or misleading in some way.

As I said in a previous post here, readability is too complex to be captured by a mere number as the currently popular Lexile measures attempt to do, or by a grade level as other traditional formulas try to do. Readability is best understood as a dynamic between the characteristics of the reader, the characteristics of the text and the particular task that is being attempted. The only real way to know if a text is "readable" for a student is to sit down with a child, hand them a text and see how they do with reading and talking about it.

Of course, this is not practical in a mass testing environment, so we need to use readability tools to determine the difficulty of texts. To that end, spurred on by my Facebook friends Heidi Maria Brown, Darci Cimarusti and Ani McHugh of Opt Out of Standardized Tests-New Jersey, I have decided to take a close look at the PARCC sample test reading comprehension passages and try to assess their readability, and therefore, their appropriateness for a testing environment.

...

Conclusions: The stated purpose of the Common Core State Standards and the aligned PARCC test was to "raise the bar" based on the notion that in order to be "college and career ready" students needed to be reading more complex text starting in their earliest school years. The PARCC sample tests show that they have certainly raised the bar when it comes to making reading comprehension passages quite difficult at every grade level.
These results clearly show that even by the altered Lexile level standard the 4th grade passage is much too difficult for 4th grade children. I would hope that the actual PARCC would not include any material remotely like this over-reaching level of challenge for children. I would hope, but the inclusion of this passage in the sample does not give me confidence.

...

 

[undertheradar]

UK site? no.

http://www.plunderbund.com/plunderbund-about/

Plunderbund is a political blog focusing on Ohio and national politics. Loyal readers can tell you that we often use humor to make our points, but also do intense research and break news stories as well.

I'm sorry, you linked readability-score.com, that is a UK site.

Plunderbund appears to be another grass roots, anti government webletter.