At my school, we have a goal to reach 90% prociency on our end of level tests. Today we analyzed the winter scores. My class is currently 16% proficient in Math and 32% proficient in Reading.
AH!!! It doesn't matter that they are 90% proficient on the District test. Noone cares that they are writing full paragraphs or mastering place value. Everything depends on a silly test they take on their own, at a computer, three times a year. Two silly tests. Reading and Math. We are forced to create these complex personal 'acceleration plans' for all of the students below benchmark. And when in the heck am I supposed to work individually with nearly every student every single day??
I felt so good about the district interim assessment (CIA) but apparently... they don't matter because I have been focusing on the wrong test- without really realizing it. 90% procifient?? Yeah. Right.
Today I gave my kids all koolaid bursts before the CIA. I told them it would make them smarter. And sure, half the tests were turned in stained with pink punch, but they loved it.
My favorite part of teaching is seeing the kids get excited about learning. One little boy is really starting to 'get it'. His eyes light up and his hand shoots into the air. I could seriously take this kid home, dress him up and stick him on a shelf. He is that cute.
We are getting ready for Valentines Day. Tomorrow we'll make the bags and have a little celebration on Thursday. One kid tried to bring Valentines last week. He had even written everyone's names on them! This is what I remember as a kids. The fun times. I know everything is so rigorous, strict, structured and forced, but I want the kids to enjoy some privilages of being in first grade.
Three and a half months. I can hardly believe it!
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