Thursday, January 23, 2014

PARENTS: Question School Testing!

The questions below were passed to me by a Facebook friend. They provide a great place to start when trying to get to the bottom of your districts' testing.



Test questions EVERY PARENT needs to ask:
(From a veteran teacher)


For principals:
  • How many standardized tests does my child have to take this year?
  • Where do these tests originate?
  • What is the specific academic purpose for each one?
  • How will these tests affect my child's academic future or standing?
  • For each test, does the teacher see individual student results and have a chance to adjust individual instruction to help each student?
  • Who sees the scores, where will they be recorded, and for what purpose?
  • Do the scores become part of my child's record?
  • Who in the district instructed you to give these tests?
  • How much time do you devote to test preparation? How do you define "test preparation?"



For school superintendents:
  • Identify by name and frequency each standardized test your district requires in each grade.
  • Explain where these tests originate and, for each, explain its specific academic purpose and the year it started.
  • Explain your district's policy on opting out of/refusing standardized tests and cite its legal foundation.

For school board members:
  • How do you view the academic purposes for standardized testing?
  • Are you familiar with all the standardized tests your district requires, and their academic purposes?
  • Are you willing to initiate a parent/teacher review of the use of testing in your district?
  • Explain your district's policy on opting out of/refusing standardized tests and cite its legal foundation.


Join us! Opt Out of State Standardized Testing - Maine

If you can think of more questions to ask, email me at lisafromjackson@yahoo.com

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

New YouTube Channel for The Minds of Kids!

Under the gentle guidance of my 13-year-old daughter, I have entered the world of the YouTube channel. I expect to put quick thoughts here -- responses to stuff I see that won't germinate into a whole big post for the blog. Besides, I've been told I have a good voice!

You won't see my face. For that I'd have to spruce myself up a bit. You can watch the videos below.



Let me know what you think.