I found this article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to be intriguing and provocative. Two columnists with differing perspectives jointly authored this piece. I’d enjoy discussing the topic with anyone interested.
photo credit: trazomfreak
Teaching to the Test
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Both of these ladies had interesting points. I do hate NCLB. However, I have thought for 22 years now that there needs to be National accountability in the classroom. I also think we should have national curriculum standards and every state should be adopting the same text books.
The problem I see with all this testing is that some teachers DO teach to the test because their districts demand it.
I have had to take all the creative units out of my classroom because we are mandated to teach one curriculum only. I sure takes the fun out of teaching.
My own children went to a different district because I don’t live where I teach. They were both taught by some very creative teachers and they graduated with high honors from high school. They are both thinkers. They can problem solve like nobody’s business. And, DON’T try to out talk them. They were both in Speech and Debate. That is what comes out of creative teaching. Smart, world-wise people who can think on their feet. What I feel like I am creating now are students who can take a test.