[MOSAIC] comments on NCLB----low test scores--

[Joy]

Olga,
  Isn't it amazing how administrators hold on to this belief? They give you the "lowest" ability class, the "most challenged" class, or the "most immature" class. They admit it: " Oh, you have such a tough class! The deck is stacked against you!" Then they call you a poor/lazy/bad teacher when your class fails! They don't give you any additional support, no additional training, nothing. But the teachers with the gifted students, the students whose parents can afford to give them enriching activities, those are the skilled/hard working/good teachers. I taught at a school like that and got tired of being the whipping boy for their stupid games. If I sound bitter, I am. It's been five years and I still can't get over what they did to me. I feel for you and the position you are in. 
   
  To me if your students can show a years growth you have served your students well.
   
  There is a girl in my class who came to our school in K speaking only Chinese. Our school is small, and we don't have ELL services. We do not have any other Chinese families in our community, either. When she came to me in second grade her previous teacher was concerned because she was so far behind her classmates. She made marvelous progress in second and third grade, although she barely passed our state end of grade tests last year. I have her again this year, and when we look at her skills, it is astounding! She has made more than 2 years growth in the past year! She is finally on grade level in reading, and is working on surpassing her classmates. 
   
  Our school uses a project based learning model, with lots of hands on activities. In my classroom, reading and writing infuse every subject. In my opinion these things, combined with her strong motivation to learn, is what fostered her successes. If you can find a way to help you students find their motivation, you will hold the key.


                Joy/NC/4
  jwidmann at rocketmail.com
  How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand. http://www.responsiveclassroom.org
   









 
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