Sharon
Posts:
384
From:
NYC
Registered:
6/26/05
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Re: Proposed changes in how 3-8 and Regents exams are scored (message for
Tzippy)
Posted:
Sep 10, 2011 8:45 PM
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I have a significant problem with all of these 3-8 tests - most notably the ELA.
Last year, while administering the test to my resource room students, I felt that the content of certain reading selections was well above or well below the grade level. As I have two teachers working with me, I asked them to monitor the group while I typed the content of several selections into my laptop and found the reading level of each. I was not wrong. There was significant scatter in the reading level of each test. I can't remember exactly, but I think it was the sixth grade test that had selections that read at the eighth grade level and third grade level. I don't have a copy so I can't check it, and I didn't save anything.
This was not the first time I had noted a wide variation in the levels on a single test. Is it no wonder that I have students who are practically in tears? We teach to the grade level. Why is the exam including selections that are well above grade level?
For that matter, if you check previous fourth grade tests, you will find that over the years, the reading difficulty in those tests have constantly decreased. This might have to do with the fact that the fourth grade test has been used to determine which students should be held over. In the first years of the fourth grade ELA, many students failed to reach the cut-off. The city and state were embarrassed by the poor overall performance. As the years have gone by the test has decreased in difficulty resulting in an increase students who perform at or above grade expectation. As a result, the 'numbers' have shown positive movement. This is not related to increased student ability. Take my word for it.
Geez....I'm not writing a thesis here.......sorry for the length.
Tzippy
-----Original Message-----
From: Caryl Lorandini <mathcaryl@aol.com>
To: nyshsmath <nyshsmath@mathforum.org>
Sent: Sat, Sep 10, 2011 9:19 am
Subject: Re: Proposed changes in how 3-8 and Regents exams are scored (message for Tzippy)
It just seems like it not about what is best for the students.
Grades 3-8 are KIDS. Having their teacher in the room is important. We know when cetain students tap their pencil to walk by and just smile or touch their back. We should be respected as professionals. Grading the tests on your grade level is imporant. You are most familiar with the content and can look at common errors to help improve instruction.
Shouldn't the state spend some time on curriculum and test development instead?
-----Original Message-----
From: Iva Jean Tennant <tennantij@aol.com>
To: nyshsmath <nyshsmath@mathforum.org>
Sent: Sat, Sep 10, 2011 12:36 am
Subject: Re: Proposed changes in how 3-8 and Regents exams are scored (message for Tzippy)
Well said!!!!!
Many years ago, a teacher did cheat on regents and that teacher was turned in and actions were taken and that teacher left
Iva Jean
-----Original Message-----
From: JFish <JFish@csufsd.org>
To: nyshsmath <nyshsmath@mathforum.org>
Sent: Fri, Sep 9, 2011 8:43 pm
Subject: Re: Proposed changes in how 3-8 and Regents exams are scored (message for Tzippy)
Well Tzippy, if what you say has ACTUALLY happened, then that teacher,
(presumably at your school) should have been turned in. If you saw this
and didn't report it, then you are just as guilty as far as I'm concerned!
In any event, it is that type of behavior that is going to possibly cost
those of us that are honest, the ability to do what we do best for our
kids.
What a shame.
Jim
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