Standardized Test: Can you answer the question of the day? http://apps.collegeboard.com/qotd/question.do
Recently, I was reading some information from the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/ray2009/default.asp I was amazed to read the “statistics” about homeschooler who had been tested with Standardized Testing for the 2009 year. Never being “BIG” on the test myself, mainly because of the history of the dumbing down the test over the years since 1950’s, (And that fact that I don't like taking them! - giggle - Who does?) I was a little curious to see how my curriculum stacked up against the test. So, I ordered the SAT “practice” book that prepares the Children to take the test for the 1st and 2nd grade. Since, the LIttle Lady (age 5) finished her K level curriculum over the summer I went ahead and started her on her 1st grade stuff. So naturally I had her material in hand so I could see how her curriculum stacked up against the test. Imagine my surprise, when I was looking through the SAT booklet for the first and second grade, and I found out that the curriculum I am using is above the SAT requirements for both grades. (yeah!) I know it is crazy to be a little concern since I have a degree that allows me to teach in the Elementary grades. You see, I personally think it is harder for one to teach their own child than it is to teach a group of 30 Children. For some reason, Momma’s with teaching degrees tend to be conscientious and a little bit nervous of the feeling that they could “mess” up their own child. Yet, I wonder why I never though twice at ruining the education of 25 children that weren't mine! (In my case it wasn't 25 Children but actually 15 1st grader, 15 2nd graders, and 15 3rd graders with two other teachers! I am sure you are going to ask about why it was 45 Children? I was put with a Florida experimental program in a under privilege public school with the Florida Teacher of the Year. -- But, still I never thought twice because I was trained! -- I look back and think "Oh. so blind, dumb, and silly!") Anyway, isn’t it wonderful that God knows that some Momma’s just need a little peace and assurance every now and then. I am thinking it must have been what I needed. You see, I am doing the “Classical Christian” approach. Since, I know no one personally that is doing the curriculum, that I can sit and visit with on a regular basis, it is nice to know that I am staying above the norm in these younger grades. Nope, I am not nearly as confident in my older years at this teaching thing! I think mainly because I can't even begin to tell you how much I have learned about myself. Children really do show you where your strengths and weaknesses are at! .... And I get to see those strength and weaknesses being mulitiplied by 4 Children. I think for my own peace of mind, to make sure that my Little Ones are staying at least on target, also to have the paper for our portfolio, I am going to have the LIttle Ones take a "test". Since, we may come to a point where we won't know what state we are going to be in and each state has different requirements, I don't think it will hurt anyway. Who is going to see them but me anyway? Here is a link that was recommended to me. If you are interested, it is a place where you can order the test for your student (public/private or homeschooler) http://thurbers.net/ |