Students, teachers gaining confidence about FCATs [FL testing under Jeb's leadership: Rising scores]

The Palm Beach Post ^ | Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002 | Mary Ellen Flannery

[ladylurker]

FYI. BTW, I thought that recent article in the Orlando Sentinel, allegedly about what FL 4th graders are required to know, was nothing but a hit piece.

I read that story. I agree, a hit piece.

I'm glad to read some of the positive results with the F-CAT. I've always thought the F-CAT program was at least worth trying. Many of the parents in my neighborhood dislike it intensly. Their number one complaint? Their children spend too much time studying to pass that stupid test, instead of learning regular things, lol.

I'm afraid they just don't get it. The children are learning what every child should learn, READING, WRITING and ARITHMETIC. We are back to the basics (at least in the years the tests are required), which in turn will give the children a great base to build upon in the future. All of this is being accomplished without going through the NEA to get permission to change the curriculum to boot!

I'd like the program better if they were tested more often (less time spent on socialist gobbly gook). Maybe someday in the future we will be able to say that 90% of the children scored 5's or better. I think we are finally heading in the right direction.

[summer]

I think we are finally heading in the right direction.

Thanks so much for your post, ladylurker. And, I agree with you -- I think we are heading in the right direction. I took tests as a kid. Every year. No big deal.

Also, as a FL certified teacher, I can tell you that students of ALL ages become INTENSELY interested inacquiring test-taking skills when you explain to them the following: you must take and pass a test to get your DRIVER'S LICENSE someday, to get your PILOT's license, your BOATING license, etc. Kids want to drive, fly, ride, everything! And, some of them are shocked that a TEST is required before you can do these things! Suddenly, they WANT to know all about how to ace a test. It is not tough getting kids interested.

Also, I think the F-CAT is a good test and getting better, in that students are required to EXPLAIN how they arrived at answers in the math portion of the test. It is not just "pick a or b or c" -- it is SHOW YOUR WORK AS PART OF THE TEST. That is a very different task than closing your eyes and choosing a letter!

With respect to parents, I think some parents are getting brainwashed by the same forces that often brainwash teachers -- however, I think anyone who has been trained as teacher and tells the truth, KNOWS that ASSESSMENT really IS part of teaching. End of story!!! :)

[summer]

Also, I think = In addition, I think...

[summer]

But I am truly happy about these Florida results.

Same here, umgud. Thank you for taking the time to post your comments. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts here. :)

[RobbyS]

NJ, No Founding Fathers, Old White Men, and Pilgrim and Puritan are out too since the Name implies "Religion" in addition, the word "War" is taken out and Replaced by "Conflict" These changes were implemented during a REPUBLICAN RINO Administration. Evidence of the tyranny of the educational establishment, now firmly in the hands of 60's radicals and their students.

[summer]

FYI -- Also see this related link:

Education Makes the Difference [A published essay by Jeb Bush, February 2002]

[Salvation]

Education bump.

[summer]

Thanks, Salvation! :)

[twigs]

Thanks for pinging me on this. I'm glad to finally hear teacher's say that test-taking has a place in education! I keep hearing teachers here (PA) complain that having these tests forces teachers to "teach to the test." Never understood that. It always seemed to me that there are standards we should be following and test-taking is important. This is the first time I've read teachers actually taking the opposite view. Thank you for the encouragement!

[summer]

My pleasure! Too bad the loudest, complaining voices are usually the only ones that get heard. I know MANY teachers who recognize -- without hesitation -- that assessment IS certainly a part of teaching and the learning process. And tests are one way to test. A well designed test, following clearly communicated objectives, is not exactly news!

BTW, notice the teachers in this photo truly look thrilled to have Gov. Bush ini their classroom. That's because Gov. Bush is ALWAYS out there in the field WITH teachers -- this is standard for him -- unlike other elected officials, who need a map to find the schools because election day is drawing near.

Thank you for your post, twigs! :)

[summer]

to test. = to assess.

[mafree]

Bump- Go Jeb!!

[Sgt_Schultze]

In Maryland, the statewide testing scores are dropping. The solution - scrap and revise the test. Apparently, changing the curriculum isn't the answer, making the test easier, now that's the ticket!

[summer]

revise the test.

I understand your point, Sgt. Schultze, but know there ARE diffferences in the quality of tests. A 'good' test, for example, is designed to be aligned with the objectives that have been communicated and taught. And, clearly communicating learning objectives -- as well as providing materials pertaining to those objectives -- are two areas where I think school districts often fail teachers, making teachers' jobs harder.

But I agree with you -- there is no need to "dumb" down testing. The real need is to get all the pieces in place and on the table -- learning objectives, materials to teachers, teachers who can teach and motivate, and tests related to the stated objectives.

Thanks for your post. BTW, I like your screen name! :)

[summer]

mafree, I so appreciate you always bumping these threads! :)

[Cincinatus' Wife]

[beowolf]

Good article. Children need to be taught that they must learn in school. Testing is the only way to measure the ability of the students, teachers, methods, and schools. The most vocal opponents seem to be the teacher's unions and the parents of sub-standard students....both group are simply trying to cover-up their own failings.

[Sgt_Schultze]

I think I agree with you, but... In Maryland, that test has been used for the last 8 years or so. It had been touted as a model for the nation. Scores were rising - until last year. This year they have fallen again, prompting the cries to "recalibrate" the test.

Thanks for the compliments on the name. I am preparing for my congressional testimony ... I know nothiiing!

[dalebert]

Thanks for this article. I think one of the best things about Jeb is his way of getting people involved and their enthusiasm pumping. Its done in such a positive way you have to admire it.I give Jeb an A+

[summer]

Re your post #36. That was very sweet of you, CW. Thanks. And, same to you. :)