Tell me about the EOG's in Wake County (homes, schools)

[Ellen Pitts]

What do they cover? I looked on the Wake County Schools website and it looks like the EOG's are given in 3-8th grades for reading comprehension and math. Additionally there is a science EOG given twice, in 5th and 8th grades.

I was always under the impression that the EOG's were so arbitrary in their content that teachers had to "teach to the test" and much of the school year is dedicated to preparing for it. But if it truly is only math and reading, I can't see how that is necessary. Wouldn't any reasonable education teach reading comprehension and basic math without time specifically dedicated to teaching the test? What am I missing?

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by pegotty

What do they cover? I looked on the Wake County Schools website and it looks like the EOG's are given in 3-8th grades for reading comprehension and math. Additionally there is a science EOG given twice, in 5th and 8th grades.

I was always under the impression that the EOG's were so arbitrary in their content that teachers had to "teach to the test" and much of the school year is dedicated to preparing for it. But if it truly is only math and reading, I can't see how that is necessary. Wouldn't any reasonable education teach reading comprehension and basic math without time specifically dedicated to teaching the test? What am I missing?

The EOGs for each grade level cover the entire curriculum for that grade.

You may only have math and reading TESTS in 3rd grade, but the science and social studies taught in 3rd grade will make it's way onto the math and reading tests.

Example: You have a short essay to read about a concept you covered in science on the reading test. You have to read it, understand it, and answer questions about it. It is expected that the concepts presented will not be difficult to understand because the kids covered this science material during the school year at some point.

[Ellen Pitts]

Originally Posted by meh_whatever

The EOGs for each grade level cover the entire curriculum for that grade.

You may only have math and reading TESTS in 3rd grade, but the science and social studies taught in 3rd grade will make it's way onto the math and reading tests.

Example: You have a short essay to read about a concept you covered in science on the reading test. You have to read it, understand it, and answer questions about it. It is expected that the concepts presented will not be difficult to understand because the kids covered this science material during the school year at some point.

Okay, that makes more sense. What a mess.

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by pegotty

Okay, that makes more sense. What a mess.

Yep. If they were simply measures of reading and math, nobody would teach to the test.

[Ellen Pitts]

What doesn't make sense, though, is that Charter schools don't have to follow the same course of study, but they do have to take the EOG. How is it possible for a charter to pass the EOG then? Especially if the charter chooses a looser way to teach science and history (such as using a school garden) that may not even cover the topics in the standard course of study.

[twingles]

Depends on the school. I find a lot of "teaching to the test" - which I am not totally opposed to, as it makes sure they learn what they are supposed to learn. What I object to is the the constant harping on the testing Testing TESTING starting in January that stresses out the kids to no end. Our school does Study Island which is good prep for the test if you can get a chance to see what is on there. Pretty sure those questions come from old EOGs. In our school if they don't 80 on the Study Island tests for the week they must be re-set and re-done. It's annoying in addition to all the other homework.

The science EOG in 5th grade is (or was, who knows with Common Core) ridiculously easy.

[twingles]

Originally Posted by pegotty

What doesn't make sense, though, is that Charter schools don't have to follow the same course of study, but they do have to take the EOG. How is it possible for a charter to pass the EOG then? Especially if the charter chooses a looser way to teach science and history (such as using a school garden) that may not even cover the topics in the standard course of study.

Let's say they use a garden, it should still cover topics like topsoil, erosion, etc etc. You are either learning it or you're not. EOG is supposed to measure that.

EOGs are being changed this year because of common core. Not sure they are even going to get the results before the end of the school year this year.

[RedZin]

Originally Posted by twingles

Let's say they use a garden, it should still cover topics like topsoil, erosion, etc etc. You are either learning it or you're not. EOG is supposed to measure that.

EOGs are being changed this year because of common core. Not sure they are even going to get the results before the end of the school year this year.

Yes. Charter schools ultimately teach the curriculum. They just don't teach the test obsession.

I hate it. It's ridiculous.

[twingles]

Originally Posted by meh_whatever

Yes. Charter schools ultimately teach the curriculum. They just don't teach the test obsession.

I hate it. It's ridiculous.

Don't even get.me.started. Pegotty knows, I've DM'ed her about homeschooling. Did a complete 180 on that subject.

[Ellen Pitts]

Originally Posted by twingles

Let's say they use a garden, it should still cover topics like topsoil, erosion, etc etc. You are either learning it or you're not. EOG is supposed to measure that.

EOGs are being changed this year because of common core. Not sure they are even going to get the results before the end of the school year this year.

Yes, topsoil and erosion are certainly things that might be covered, but ultimately what kills curiosity in children is not allowing them to ask questions and search for answers. I believe reading, writing and math (the skills that are building blocks to learning) should have a core curriculum. But science is about research. Its about following your curiosity. A teacher should certainly have a lesson plan, but forcing the kids to learn something when they are fascinated by something else (say, microbiology, instead of erosion) is detrimental to education. It is the difference between schooling and education. Ultimately, education is the responsibility of the student, but we take away that responsibility by hindering their learning experience. And then we wonder why they don't care anymore. A good teacher would toss the erosion lesson plan and grab a microscope while the creative juices were flowing. Education has to be flexible.

Which is why an EOG that tests anything but basic skills is damaging to education. Facts are unlimited. A school will never cover all the facts. But they can spark a fascination with learning and provide the resources for independent learning in the lower grades. When they are older they can allow the kids to specialize in the sciences and history classes that are of interest to them.