Question for parents of school age children

shella923

I need a little perspective here. I've been teaching in a public elementary school for 15 years. Grades third through eight have always had marking period exams in four subjects. This one test counts for one fourth of each child's grade. I do not teach those grades, however it's always seems like a big waste of time. It takes up a whole week, every morning of the whole week. They already have the state test to worry about in the spring so how much testing can use kids get? Unfortunately the district that I work in doesn't have enough parents that make noise about what's not right. I just got an email from a former parent whose daughter is crying and stressed out and is dreading taking his test for the first time. What are your thoughts on this? I want to tell her in person that I think she should round up some parents and go to the board and say that third-graders are too young for this kind of stress. (Like hint at that)What do you all think?

Bythebeach09

Well, here in NY, many, many parents are banding together against excessive testing and the Common Core, in general. Some schools have a large percentage of parents "opting out" their kids from standardized testing, both state and district.

So, my advice would be to say that the voices of many will be heard. Not to say it'll change anything immediately, but in time. The over-testing of students is a major problem in this country's education system and unfortunately it's been getting worse and worse in the past decade.

It's certainly a platform for all parents to speak on and is very much within their rights.

(I'm an elementary teacher, too).

shella923

Thanks for your advice everyone. It's very helpful.

shella923

@fredalina, I have to say I don't know much about Montessori.  What is it that you like about it?