IMOVEPEOPLE,
I can sympathize with you I am in TX as well. I cannot stand that the schools push for this statewide testing and plus they only push for the title of: Exemplenary; I feel that the kids should pass and that's it. They should not stress them out like they do. In the past my kids haven't even been in school for two months and they are already PRACTICING!!!! That takes time out from furthering their studies because they are PRACTICING for TASKS!!!! And right before the testing period they have so called "Afterschool Assistance to help the kids that they need help mastering and WHY BECAUSE THEY WANT THAT EXEMPLENARY TITLE for THEIR SCHOOL AND GET THAT BONUS PAY!!!! The TEA I am not against the testing just let the kids pass as long as they know what they are suppose to know for their grade level and not push, push for the higher status. One of my friends changed schools during within district and her old school they pushed, pushed and pushed at her new school they don't push as hard for it as long as the child understands what they are being taught. Her son would have stomach aches, headaches, stressing over this and at his new school it's stess free. I commend that school administration for being understanding. Anyway, let me off my soap box about testing. Like I said, I am not against it just don't like the way they make the kids stress out over it making a big deal and for what. If they don't know the material they are being taught during regular class time then what's the use of being pushed extra hard to make HIGHER grades on TASKS. I tell my children just do the best you can and take your time. I want you to only pass even if it's with a 70 it's passing grade. Maybe I am wrong but I don't want him stressed over this. As far as going to the district you did good. That's what's wrong with the administrators they don't return calls nor do their staff and when you as parent go above them; whoa do they get mad. And start to explain to you how it could of been handled by them. WHEN, if it was that important to them they would of called you in a timely fashion and they don't seem to understand the urgency of your call as a parent. Thumbs up!!! They forget that they are in the customer service business and WE are their customers and so are our children. Let me off my soap box because the bubbles are rising.
The principal was furious with me for going to the school district and the state to get definitive answers - said he would have been able to get the matter resolved himself had I given him time . . . to say the least this fired me up even more. I was simply ready to drop the entire thing since no one called me back for so long - I was just going to show up the 1st day of school next year at the middle school with my daughter . . . however,
During the last week of school I received a call from the principal telling me I needed to come in and sign the paper from the "grade placement committee" that my daughter would be promoted to the 6th grade. Surprise - no committee! So on the last day of school I showed up at the office to sign the paperwork and was told that they had over ridden the need for my signature in the computer system.
The stress I went through when they could have looked at her grades and test scores, talked to her teachers, and then "override" it in the system. . . . They must have stock in antacids.
Thanks for your concern and hope this doesn't happen to another child!
You can check out TEA's website at www.tea.state.tx.us
There is info on TAKS. If you still have questions call 1-512-463-8985. I have found it's easier to go to the source to make sure it is accurate.
I'm not fond of teaching to the test, even though I also can see the merits of having standardize testing to make sure the school systems are doing there job. The pressure the school puts on our children to perform well is often a bigger problem than the child's ability to pass these tests. Last year my grandson, who is a straight A student tested until 5 p.m. (over 2 hours after school was dismissed) because of his desire to do well.
Hope the phone number and website are helpful.
Martyann
My question/comment is if you did send your daughter for those two hours could she have sat with the dough heads that said send her in! Have these people heard of SARS!!!???? GEESSHH!!!
Looks like your doing it but kick some Texas tuckas! This is crazy!!!
After reading posts like this I am so glad we're international. We moved in the midst of my oldest's 3rd grade year in Houston and the teacher was teaching towards the TASS test. I understand the reasoning behinds some of these tests, but how can they honestly say that this kind of teaching and testing are appropriate for all students. What happened to creative learning? Okay, now off my soapbox...in your case they should be able to look at your daughter's current record and be able to decide on retention or not. I hope it all gets worked out and your daughter can continue her education in a better atmosphere!
Maybe you should've taken your child to school for those 2 hours that "wouldn't hurt", let her test in a small room with these people that think these test are so important and told her to breathe and cough on them as much as possible. Ok sorry, 2 wrongs don't make a right.
I am from KY and we have CATS testing. Last year my neice who was a junior had mono and was put off school for 2 weeks during these test. There was a designated person to go to her house and administer these test to her.
I don't know how it is in the rest of the districts schools now a days but at my sons' school they test Mon-Thurs. and Fridays are make-up.
If our children do poorly on these test it makes the schools look poorly and also the better the scores are the more money they get. How well can a child perform if she is hallucinating from a fever?
I would probably let our President know that a child, a fellow Texan at that, is about to be left behind because of an illness.
I hate it that your principal has no more regard for your child or the rest of his students. Wanting a child to come in sick is bad enough, plus the danger of making other kids sick is apalling!
I hope your little one is over her illness and is not traumatized for life.
