I just finished the weekend’s dose of reading. A few things began rolling around in my head about the topics we have covered, my upcoming essay and my college experience thus far. The only thing that keeps coming up is “Personal responsibility.” Whatever are you talking about Sara? Well me, if I am understanding this correctly.. We give the children tests to ensure that the school and teachers are correctly doing their job. Then based on the test results, we reward them. The government will then send a little cash their way to buy more books, and more teachers. I don’t know it seems like a pretty weird system where the kids are not only responsible for the teacher but for themselves throughout their schooling. Even being taught to the test, you hope the child fills in the right box you told them….leaving it in the child’s hands.
What if they spent the entire second grade year ignoring their teacher until CST’s come around. They score high after being given the answers. Third grade rolls around, they are now smashed with more information that their second grade brain is not ready for. That child is now two years mentally/educationally behind his friends, all because he was daydreaming. His or her troubles being missed due to a high CST score. What else would you expect a 10 year old to do with this situation? This is truly where we are grouped…if a child can teach themselves throughout elementary school they have taken responsibility for their education. If they don’t then they will never actively take a part and will settle where they fall. Are they a team player or a drone who follows the game plan without saying a word? Seems a little messed up…Makes a person hope that all teachers are really dedicated to their students and not to the politics of their school. I know the parent is involved in making sure their child is learning well. Right?
I think the biggest problem is that teachers are teaching to the test. In reality, should second and third graders really be taught how to take a test that is political in nature (i.e. No Child Left Behind)? Or should they be encouraged to pursue their interests, whether that is art, creative writing, or geometry?
ReplyDeleteI think there should always be some sort of assessment test. Only of the child's knowledge. Isn't it just supposed to be the parents who dish out of pocket to the child ($10.00 for every A). Instead the government pays the school for that A and who knows if the same child will benefit from those funds. Children should always be encouraged to go for what pleases them....unless that pleasure is jumping off a roof. They can't learn if they don't make mistakes. It's the adults job to see this trait and nourish it.
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