Kids being taught only Math and Science for Taks test (Plano: school district, college)

[Macbeth2003]

I continually point out that the Exemplary, recognized, etc ratings are meaningless. Most schools teach less and less that is not directly related to these tests, and effectively shut down anything but test prep for a few weeks before the tests to ensure they get better results. With the ratings being the end all and be all for funding, reputation, and attracting students, there is no reason to offer a balanced education anymore.

This happened to be a DISD school, but it could happen anywhere, and weaker versions of this ARE happening everywhere. If a school is desperate enough they will do whatever it takes to get that rating. Remember this the next time you see a post where someone says they only want an "exemplary" school for their kids.

[TurtleCreek80]

It's behind the f-ing paywall (did that many people pony up for DMN insider access????) but I gather the school just drilled 3rd graders on TAKS subjects and made up fake grades for the other subjects on the report card?

[Macbeth2003]

Third graders were literally taught ONLY math and reading No social studies, no science. the music teacher was required to tutor math instead of teach music during music class. One teacher who asked for 20 minutes a week to teach Social Studies was told no. The principal said that they would learn enough social studies from nonfiction reading samples, and enough science from bar graph reading in math. Grades were originally made up by the student's teacher, then assigned to other teachers to make up, who did not even teach the kids. Taks scores improved dramatically. Kids are now unable to pass Science and Social studies in 4th and 5th grade. Principal is on paid leave. Teachers who went along with this and gave made up grades are still teaching.

I tend to forget about the paywall. If you get their free "briefings" newspaper delivered they will let you behind the paywall as well. That is what I do. I mostly use the "Briefings" to start my charcoal chimney lighter

[TurtleCreek80]

Wow. That is horrible. And also what happens when schools are desperate to perform on "end all/ be all" standardized testing.....which is why hubby and I are starting to lean towards private schools for the future mini turtles.

[Vicman]

TAKS tests ARE minimal skills tests. The state should make EVERY school district declare this in bold print on the top of every score report.

At the high school level there are better measures of school quality if one is interested in college prep (ACT/SAT scores, AP test scores, etc)

The reason why the schools only taught math and science is because TAKS social studies tests are a joke! They probably thought they could get away with it because they thought parents wouldn't have internet connections/wouldn't have time to report on the education of their kids.

Originally Posted by Macbeth2003

I continually point out that the Exemplary, recognized, etc ratings are meaningless. Most schools teach less and less that is not directly related to these tests, and effectively shut down anything but test prep for a few weeks before the tests to ensure they get better results. With the ratings being the end all and be all for funding, reputation, and attracting students, there is no reason to offer a balanced education anymore.

This happened to be a DISD school, but it could happen anywhere, and weaker versions of this ARE happening everywhere. If a school is desperate enough they will do whatever it takes to get that rating. Remember this the next time you see a post where someone says they only want an "exemplary" school for their kids.

[BellaO]

Sad to say, but this is one of the reasons we are going the private school route. All schools in the U.S. Now teach to the state tests, but it seems worse here than back in NJ, because so much more in terms of funding/reputation depend on that rating at least with DISD.

I'd be curious to know if this scenario is also playing out in the HPISD to some extent.....

[TurtleCreek80]

Originally Posted by BellaO

Sad to say, but this is one of the reasons we are going the private school route. All schools in the U.S. Now teach to the state tests, but it seems worse here than back in NJ, because so much more in terms of funding/reputation depend on that rating at least with DISD.

I'd be curious to know if this scenario is also playing out in the HPISD to some extent.....

TAKS is barely mentioned in HPISD schools. There's maybe a couple of prep tests in the weeks leading directly up to the TAKS date, but it's certainly not the all-encompassing focus that it is in other districts. Then again, the HP kids always pass, and nearly all perform at the TAKS "Commended" level without much prep, so it doesn't need the amount of focus/prep other districts need to get the same or worse results.

My friends who have taught somewhere else and then moved into HPISD describe it as "liberating" to actually do creative lesson planning and not have to "stick to the script" as is mandatory in Plano, Richardson, Frisco, etc schools.

[Vicman]

Yes - Generally public schools that have gifted/talented and/or wealthier student bodies tend to spend far less time on TAKS or other state tests

Generally TAKS is more emphasized at schools with student bodies that generally perform poorly and/or poorer. Apparently even middle-road suburban public schools spend a lot of time on TAKS.

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

TAKS is barely mentioned in HPISD schools. There's maybe a couple of prep tests in the weeks leading directly up to the TAKS date, but it's certainly not the all-encompassing focus that it is in other districts. Then again, the HP kids always pass, and nearly all perform at the TAKS "Commended" level without much prep, so it doesn't need the amount of focus/prep other districts need to get the same or worse results.

My friends who have taught somewhere else and then moved into HPISD describe it as "liberating" to actually do creative lesson planning and not have to "stick to the script" as is mandatory in Plano, Richardson, Frisco, etc schools.