All tested out

I had the opportunity to observe in a 5th grade classroom last semester. Since it was the latter half of the school year the teacher I was assigned to explained that the students were in review mode. Basically, she was not teaching any new concepts, just reviewing content they'd already learned. She also expressed the importance of STAAR, or the importance that was placed on the STAAR. Near the end of my observation time the kids were outside playing, unscheduled. What I learned on my first day there was the importance of time and how just about every minute of their day was planned out. So, to see these students outside playing was puzzling to me. I think she read my expression because she began to explain. "These kids are tired of tests, they are all tested out and I'm tired too, so I gave them some time to just take a break and have fun and get refreshed". Well given the prior knowledge of their testing schedule I had to concur. At that time, all I knew was what she told me, which wasn't much but, I now understand the importance of the testing and how it measures student progress. With so many kids slipping through the cracks and failing in the reading area, there has to be some measurement and research given to exactly where and when the breakdown occurs. I am pretty sure no one wants to be held accountable and responsible for failing a child, and that would mean being on board with factors necessary to ensuring student success, regardless of our opinions and feelings.

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