Philip Poburka on mon 2 sep 02
pretenexts...
Dear Grace,
I do not favour the attitudes or policies of 'schools' as they are, nor as I
remember them to have been when I was forced to go.
I believe they do far more to damage and interfere with Children than any
pretense of 'educateing' them may be found to justify.
I admire your insight and good sense, and that it is embued with a
passionate disapproval of their cruelties.
Which expresses as well, I would think, a passionate desire to see things
be respectful and defferential to Children, instead.
As it should be.
Had I Children, I should never turn them over to such calculated remorseless
interference...
Phil
Las Vegas
----- Original Message -----
From: "Grace Sheese"
To:
Sent: Monday, September 02, 2002 7:23 AM
Subject: standarized testing
As an elementary teacher in the public schools (and a potter), I think
standardized testing is the worst way to educate children. I taught at
"neighborhood schools" where the children are from poor families, mostly
African American and Hispanic (1% Anglo). The test does not account for
children with great adversities in their lives that may cause them to be
behind in their education (that's not to say it's true for ALL children
living in poverty). It doesn't take into account that not all children have
the same experience and that there are different modes of learning. The
tests does not celebrate the triumphs, the growth and the progress a child
can make in a year. I've had students that went from a first grade/early
second grade reading level to a third grade reading level in one year but
did not pass the standardized tests they have to take. In the eyes of
principals and the higher ups that child failed and I as his/her teacher
failed but I disagree. But it makes me so angry to see the disappointment
and dejection on my student's face when they realize they didn't pass the
test. All they see is the failure at that point and not the improvement.
Shouldn't a child who went from a 35% on the test to a 68% be celebrated for
his/her hard work? (70% is passing) Sorry to go on a rant that has nothing
to do about clay. Too many achievements that is viewed as "failures" to
prevent me from keeping my mouth shut.
Grace Sheese
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