original date January 9, 2016
I had my EOC talk with students on Thursday and came to tears in every class I taught. My students are incarcerated and cannot opt-out of testing. Some will refuse to test or rush through, but what I wanted to tell them was that they could turn the test results into their favor. What I explained to my students was that they needed to develop a voice.
Many of my students are well equipped intellectually to pass (and often exceptionally) the test. Many of my students write very very well. What my students don't possess is an understanding of how the test is laid out or how the test results are evaluated. I have repeatedly shared with my students the fact that state legislators use STAAR test results from 3rd graders to determine how many prison beds will be needed 15 years from now. What I share with my students are tips on mastering the test and how to actually read the questions without stressing out. Most importantly, I use each student's previous test results to show them just how close they were to passing and then show them the areas where they are struggling.
I have been doing this with the same group of students for almost 2 years, and it is amazing how much improvement they've made. Most importantly, it is amazing to see how much my students have started voicing their own struggles in the school system and in society. My students know they have a safe harbor in which to complain and seek answers. Beyond the basic "opt -out" push back, it is so vital that we all give our students of all ages the opportunity to truly see what these tests are used for and how they actually try to pigeon hole us. Whether a family opts-out or strengthens their student's efforts with stronger understanding, it is important that everyone involved understands what the results of these tests are used for.
A couple of recent updates regarding STAAR:
results for 5th and 8th graders won't be used this year
Governor Abbott passed a new law exempting many seniors from the rule of 5
I had my EOC talk with students on Thursday and came to tears in every class I taught. My students are incarcerated and cannot opt-out of testing. Some will refuse to test or rush through, but what I wanted to tell them was that they could turn the test results into their favor. What I explained to my students was that they needed to develop a voice.
Many of my students are well equipped intellectually to pass (and often exceptionally) the test. Many of my students write very very well. What my students don't possess is an understanding of how the test is laid out or how the test results are evaluated. I have repeatedly shared with my students the fact that state legislators use STAAR test results from 3rd graders to determine how many prison beds will be needed 15 years from now. What I share with my students are tips on mastering the test and how to actually read the questions without stressing out. Most importantly, I use each student's previous test results to show them just how close they were to passing and then show them the areas where they are struggling.
I have been doing this with the same group of students for almost 2 years, and it is amazing how much improvement they've made. Most importantly, it is amazing to see how much my students have started voicing their own struggles in the school system and in society. My students know they have a safe harbor in which to complain and seek answers. Beyond the basic "opt -out" push back, it is so vital that we all give our students of all ages the opportunity to truly see what these tests are used for and how they actually try to pigeon hole us. Whether a family opts-out or strengthens their student's efforts with stronger understanding, it is important that everyone involved understands what the results of these tests are used for.
A couple of recent updates regarding STAAR:
results for 5th and 8th graders won't be used this year
Governor Abbott passed a new law exempting many seniors from the rule of 5
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