As a third grade teacher I automatically think about EOGs when I hear the word assessment and I must admit this is scary to me and has been for the five years I have been teaching a tested grade. I hate thinking that all the work my students and I have done throughout the school year will all be judged based on one set of test. Then I realize how much self doubt sinks in when my students do not do as well as I hoped they would even though I know they have grown. I questions what I could of done differently and what factors have impacted my students during testing. This brings me to a stronger support for authentic and continuous assessment.
This semester, in grad school, we have focus on the act of "doing" in the classroom and student being active in their learning, which I think is a terrific idea but I still struggle to see how this matches up with standardized test. I find myself having a battle within my mind of what I should do to best meet the needs of my students. Another key element behind this dilemma is knowing my students are going to be exposed to the EOGs for the first time when they get to me and I know they do not have a clue what they will face when the school year is nearing an end. Without knowing, I feel obligated personally and by those above me to expose my students to the format of standardized test they will have more often than being able to assess in an authentic manner. This sense of obligations tends overwhelm the other things I could be doing to make learning more involved for my students and I am torn between which way is the right way. However, I think a break through is in the making and I am hoping I am right. I believe some are realizing that doing the same thing and exposing students to the format of EOGs in the same way is not working. I feel a rebuilding period coming up in which me, my teammates, administration, and co-workers from other grades, are going to delve into the minds of students and find out what will be the most powerful means of assessment and instruction to meet their needs. It is time for change!
I feel the stress about SOLs and I'm still not 100% certain if I will be teaching 3rd grade. But, just as you stated, if I do start teaching 3rd grade, the students will be exposed to the test the first time with me. It is a scary feeling and a lot of pressure.
ReplyDeleteKimberly -- This type of honest reflection and exploration of your thoughts (and fears) is such a necessary part of our growth as teachers. Thanks for being willing to write through that process; it's exactly what will lead you to that "breakthrough" and help you to become confident about what you know about teaching and learning.
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