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You are here: Home / assessment / Let’s Talk Assessment Pressure
assessment

Let’s Talk Assessment Pressure

January 26, 2012

The state of Indiana has passed a new law to go along with our mandatory standardized tests.  Third graders who fail a specific reading portion of the test are required to be retained in third grade.  The only exceptions are students who have previously been retained twice and students with IEPs (students with identified learning disabilities).  The law only applies to third graders, so if you squeak by in third grade but fail later in the future, it doesn’t impact you.  It puts a lot of additional pressure on teachers, who are often expected to control factors that are honestly out of our hands.  It puts additional pressure on some students, who of course don’t want to be retained.  It also puts additional pressure on those parents who are involved in education.  It doesn’t, however, put pressure on the uninvolved or unconcerned (who probably need the pressure most!!).


I get that reading is important.  I get that in many ways education beyond third grade doesn’t really teach students the foundations of learning to read.  I’m not even sure third grade really does that, to be honest.  We operate on the basic assumption that our students have a solid bank of sight words and are pretty good at decoding the rest.  Students who can’t do that are lost in our classrooms as we explore more complicated aspects of reading and comprehension. Of course we give them additional support to help them be successful, but they’re still behind.  Some are really, really behind. If this is going to be the law (like it or not), third grade may be too late.  Would it be more “fair” to hold them back in first or
second grade instead?  Most of the students we’re talking about have
already been identified in first and second grades as students targeted
for Reading Recovery/additional reading instruction because they
aren’t learning at the same rate as their peers.  Unfortunately, they
haven’t caught up by third grade.  On the other hand, some students are late bloomers and the reading portion of their brains mature later. 



So how do we catch these students up?  We’re reading 90 minutes or more a day.  We’re using our classroom assistants for reading instruction and one-on-one help.  We’re using a grade level remediation aide who is a licensed teacher for pull-outs.  We’re using a computer program called SuccessMaker.  We’re working, working, working.  But will they all be ready?  No.  

Is another year in third grade the answer?

politics pressure
by Christi Fultz 

About Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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Comments

  1. Tami O'Keefe says: March 6, 2012 at 6:11 am

    That is sure extreme. In Washington teacher evals. will be now tied to test scores. I understand children need to be held accountable but lets also look at the parents and lets get a firm grip on Early Intervention, all 3 and 4 year old's should have a chance to go to a high quality preschool. My daughter who turned 4 in Jan. is a peer model in a Sp. Ed. Preschool within the local school district and is going to into Kindergarten and not struggle. It's wonderful having typically developing and special education preschoolers working together.

Christi Fultz

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As an experienced third grade teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education and K-12 reading license, I know educational resources need to be both inviting and engaging to capture students' interests. I am passionate about creating user-friendly resources to help all students learn while saving valuable prep for teachers. Read More…

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This Is 3 // Charlotte girl, being your momma is a This Is 3 // Charlotte girl, being your momma is a gift. I cannot believe you turn THREE tomorrow! You have the most adventurous heart, love your babies, and always keep us on our toes. We love you!
Lake Love // Even though our trip was cut short th Lake Love // Even though our trip was cut short this year, I’m thankful we made it to Marblehead. It’s my absolute favorite spot on Lake Erie. Just swipe to see that sailboat and sunlight on the water. Absolute peace.
Happy Last Day // We had a lot of changes last sum Happy Last Day // We had a lot of changes last summer, but the move back home to Louisville has been even better than I expected. Kindergarten was so special and Carter had the sweetest teacher. Today was a much-needed bright spot. Here’s to what’s next.
Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a permanent place in my feed too. When do we lose this endless wonder and joy?? These kids are here for a good time all the time. 

They loved a night in a hotel to swim and play. It wasn’t a relaxing experience away with a spa like many of my trips pre-kids, but it was exactly what we needed.
Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @k Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @kentuckykingdom today. After moving back to Louisville last summer, it’s been fun exploring old places that are “new” to my kids. The new ownership seems to have big plans for the park. Carter is eager for the water rides to open. We’ll be back soon!

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife
Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰 Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰

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