Test Protest

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But haven't the state tests been useful and important tools to underscore the achievement gaps between poor kids, kids of color and middle-class white kids?
If there is a gap, it's not because there is a gap in true academic achievement of the students. What you are seeing is a bias in the testing. If we had an aural language assessment [a test using the spoken word], for example, we'd have different test results that would show less of a gap between those groups.

How did your students respond to your protest?
At first, they didn't know about it. But when they found out, they were amazing. It's opened up a big conversation about testing. With their parents, it's opened up a big conversation about teaching. Kids and parents are now looking hard at what No Child Left Behind means to them.

Do you think other teachers should follow your example?
I think there are a lot of teachers who feel the same way I do. I think we need to start talking about it--good thoughtful conversations, and not just with people who agree with you. I think parents need to know that they have options. They should e-mail their school board or contact their elected officials. We need to make this discussion a bigger part of the presidential debates. Parents also have the right to opt out of the testing for their children. They should exercise that right.

You received an official reprimand from your district officials and proctored the second day of exams in order to keep your job. Was your protest a success?
I think so. Yes. I know what I feel and I feel strongly enough to act in certain ways in order to stimulate positive conversation and interaction.

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Posted By: lajune @ 12/07/2007 11:22:53 AM

What can be done to change things please let me know. I agree things are not good for our children and it is making them feel frustrate. Our children are important and we need to do whatever it takes to make things better. Posted By:layers@12/6/07 11:40
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Posted By: lajune @ 12/07/2007 11:18:56 AM

I agree with the teacher on this matter and i want to know what can be done to change things. I am a mother and this way of teaching is not helping the children at all. I know other parents that feel the same way as I do and other teachers who are frustrated as well. Please let me know what can I do and others do to change things. Because unless there is a change it will get worse. Posted By:layers @12/6/07 11:24
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Posted By: blevine @ 11/17/2007 9:16:17 PM

NCLB took control of the classroom away from the teachers and gave it to the lawmakers. I wonder if the real intent is not NCLB but everyone left behind. Teacher are now busy only teaching testing skill which now take up at least half the school day. There is barely time enough to teach reading and math, most teachers are not taking time to teach science or social studies. We are falling further behind the rest of the world, maybe that was the real intent of the law. The law needs to be tossed out and the teachers need to reclaim the classroom and do what they do best, teach.