-tictech message:
Mark,
I too was once angry at the mismatch of skills taught in my classroom and
skills assessed by district tests.
I tried adapting to the CBA, DWA, etc. needs/demands but felt wrong inside.
This was especially so in the timing of when I wanted to teach a skill
within a unit of learning and when that skill "should" be taught in the
school year for best "results".
These days, I am confident that the powers to be aren't keeping up with the
learning of today's students nor allowing teachers to create optimum
learning opportunities via their own creative lessons (because of the
pressure to "optimize" the students to perform their best on the scheduled
tests).
With that, I teach what I think is best in the ways that I think are best.
When assessments arrive at the office, I use that as a learning opportunity
for the students and parents. I explain that what is asked in the tests does
not accurately measure what is learned by their children. For example, in
this DWA, we did write by hand and correct spelling by dictionaries, a new
event for some. But as in real life, we do our best when not given a choice
. . . then move on to true, natural, student-centered learning unrestrained
by the boundaries of the materials in or the processes of standardized
tests.
I once supported "standards", now I think their over-emphasis is destroying
joyful learning and teaching. Ignore those leaders who now worship them.
Kevin
Kevin Crozier
Gr. 3 - Lowell School
Seattle, WA
kbcrozier@seattleschools.org
http://www.seattleschools.org/schools/lowell/kevin/index.htm
"Understand the conflict with your brain, but solve it in your heart." -
Erin Jones
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