FCAT success is triumph for entire family [Ex-homeless, Hispanic teen scores high on FL Math Test]

The Orlando Sentinel ^ | May 21, 2003 | María T. Padilla

[summer]

María T. Padilla

FCAT success is triumph for entire family

by Maria T. Padilla
May 21, 2003

Evelyn Tavárez couldn't contain herself. Her son, John Fernández, 18, earned a passing score on the math portion of the FCAT, which means he's on his way to graduating from high school in Kissimmee.

Not only did Fernández pass the math test, but he did exceptionally well. "It's the highest math score I've ever seen," said teacher Karen Turner.

Fernández didn't pass the reading portion, but Turner says she has "no doubt" that Fernández will do so when he retakes the test this summer.

"I'm just very, very proud of my son," said Tavárez, and rightly so.

Not too long ago, Fernández had all F's at Gateway High School in Osceola County. But that pales in comparison to other hardships the family of six sons has endured....

[summer]

It's very interesting to me how some families see this test as a challenge and are determined to get their kids to pass it, while others see it as something not worth doing.

As a teacher, I would note that FL does not require kids to get an "A" on this test nor on any test; nor is the student required to score in the top "10%" or something like that; rather, the state wants the kid to just pass the test -- and, thereby, demonstrate skills for that grade level.

I think the outcry over FCAT by some has really been a grossly insensitive attempt to deflect attention from the more pressing problems of those communities, some of which are mentioned in this article here - broken families, unemployment, homelessness, and transient students. When community leaders help fix those problems, I have no doubt more students will pass the FCAT.

BTW, the proposed boycott of FCAT seems to have landed with a thud in FL, as editorials all over the state are supporting Gov Bush's FCAT while giving a thumbs down to Miami's black leaders who claim the test has to go. Newspapers, parents, students, and members of the education community are coming out in favor of Gov Bush's committment to measure learning and make a high school diploma mean something.

This week I'll post some of these positive editorials and uplifting articles I've read lately. Meanwhile, here is more from the above posted article:

"...The high-stakes Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test can come crashing down on poor transient families such as Tavárez's. It's the poor and mobile who tend to do worse on the exam, which determines whether students are promoted to the fourth grade or graduate from high school with a standard diploma.

Despite the gloomy news, something wonderful also is happening. Many poor and struggling students have improved their FCAT scores, according to this year's results. Fernández is one of them...."

[summer]

I meant to type this: "When community leaders help fix those problems, I have no doubt more students will pass the FCAT ON THE FIRST TRY."

Because I do believe all kids CAN learn, but, I also believe that having a strong family foundation in a kid's life helps, a lot.

[chachacha]

Fernández didn't pass the reading portion, but Turner says she has "no doubt" that Fernández will do so when he retakes the test this summer.

Great story, now maybe some of those other failures, represented by the NAACP, can pull themselves together and decide to join the human race as did Fernandez or, drop out and expect the world to be handed over to you by the Jesse Jacksons, Al Sharptons and the NAACP.

[summer]

Thanks for highlighting the determined attitude of the student's parent. Here is another mom who wants to help her kid succeed -- and this is a white, middle-class mom whose kid failed the 3rd grade FCAT, BUT: this parent is not interested a boycott either -- DON'T BLAME STANDARDS

[summer]

Excerpt from the link in my post #4, a letter to the editor written by that parent: "The planned boycott of Florida products bothers me. The problem is not with the governor or the standards. The problem lies in what goes on in the classroom and at home."

[chachacha]

Amen

[Pearls Before Swine]

I would suppose that Florida's FCAT is like Massachusett's MCAS test. They give it to the kids in 10th grade; if they don't pass, they get it in 11th, and then if they don't pass, they get another crack at it in 12th. My kids (in 10th grade) love it--an easy test, measuring a modest level competence for a tenth grader, is all it is. They know they'll pass, and the school must take something like a week administering it -- easy test, no classes, no homework. For the kids its a one-shot joke--they don't expect to ever take it again. But they've been taking "lead-up tests" in 7th grade, and 8th grade. Its getting silly.

I would think these "community leaders" (we have them in MA, also) would be embarassed to squawk about the test as biased and too difficult for their constituents. If you can't pass it, you'll have trouble mopping floors at the local quickfood place.

[summer]

For the kids its a one-shot joke--they don't expect to ever take it again. But they've been taking "lead-up tests" in 7th grade, and 8th grade. It's getting silly.

On the other hand, and this is what I always told my students in middle school when they had to take the test, these "kids" are going to be taking a number of tests in their lives -- so, they might as well learn how to pass them now. I would ask my students: Who plans to ever drive a car, or a boat, or fly a plane? And, almost all hands would shoot up. Then I would tell them no one is handing them a license to do any of these things; they have to study, and demonstrate knowledge by passing a test. And, if they plan to become a doctor or an engineer or a lawyer or any other number of professions, they will also be required to pass a test for entry into higher education and beyond.

Once kids see these tests in the context of life and adulthood, they often understand they are actually getting some valuable preparation right now.
I feel very sorry for those students who are struggling and whose parents and community leaders blast the tests, because I wonder if those students conclude they can simply complain about, and avoid, any test they encounter in the future. If so, that really shortens their list of options in many areas down the road.

[summer]

Good photo of Gov Bush:



FV -- Where is your May 2003 Photo Pit Stop thread? :)

[Pearls Before Swine]

On the other hand, and this is what I always told my students in middle school when they had to take the test, these "kids" are going to be taking a number of tests in their lives -- so, they might as well learn how to pass them now.

That is true, and a good attitude to instill. My main point, which you agreed with, was that the kids think the test is so absurdly easy that it barely qualifies as a test, and yet we have "leaders" protesting the unfairness of it all.