No child left behind..... a great thought that lead to a great crock!
I was sitting with my youngest children (6 & 8) last night. They have been talking about the BIG TEST they are going to be taking soon. Their poor teachers have had to all but cease teaching at this point (its January), in favor of teaching the children how to take the TEST (its in April). My daughter who makes near perfect marks on everything is a perfectionist who puts constant pressure on herself. She is scared to death and cried repeatedly about not being able to correctly color in the answer bubbles. My son, who has some learning issues, flat out told me he couldn't do it. He is not only practicing at school for the test, but is now bringing home extra test practice to do at home. He is highly intelligent but, thanks to the TEST feels completely incapable.
No child left behind has not only failed our children, it is failing our teachers. The pressure they are under is incredible considering that the extra funding for their school is directly affected by these test scores.
Obviously there are some good things about the NCLBA, and the purpose of the Act cannot be dismissed (to raise the standard of education in America). However, serious reform is needed.
If you want to read more the link to an overview of the NCLBA along with concerns (pro and con) is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Child_Left_Behind
1 comment:
ABSOLUTELY The teachers at my kids charter school freak the kids out twice a year, do NOT "teach" only TELL how to take the test.
Test Taking is NOT teaching.
They concentrate only on what is be on to be on the test.
MAKES me crazy.
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