As you know, she is going through the final week of preparations for the FCAT (Florida standardized testing). She is having great difficulty with reading comprehension. We have been working every night for 2 hours, doing exercises from workbooks that I have purchased, and using the online site provided by the state. She is at her breaking point and I don't know what to do for her. This is what she told me....
"Mom, I can't take it anymore. They are putting too much on us. We have to work all day on these exercises and when I got a wrong answer my teacher said 'No, no no!' in front of the class and I was so embarassed that I put my head down and cried!" She went on to say that the teachers promised they would only work on preparing for the test two days a week, but that they do it every day and her hand actually hurts from filling in so many circles. She said that the other classes get to watch movies at the end of the day for a break from the studying, and when she sees them come out of the classes they are all smiling. "My class comes out frowning because we work so hard, and I just don't feel like talking. The teacher even yelled at us for saying "awwww, another one?" when she wanted us to work some more....but mom, I don't blame them....it's too much!" While she was telling me all of this she was crying....not a whiny I-don't-want-to-work cry but a sobbing type....
I have never seen such a mess as this state and it's school system in my entire life. She entered 4th grade with a 2nd grade education....why? Becuase last year due to overcrowding, she was forced into a class taught by the school's science teacher who had never taught anything but science. The first few days the freaking teacher was crying because she didn't know what to do!!!! Wee one learned 1/4 of what she should have last year. And the teacher? Well, she was offered the position of a 5th grade teacher this year! You can bet your butt wee one will NOT get her next year....I will see to that. But I digress....
I can not believe the stress that is being put on these little shoulders. You just don't know what it did to me to watch my child sit and sob because of a test. I don't know what to do. If I go in and talk to the teacher, she will single her out and it will only be worse for wee one. Salaries are at stake here....if the school doesn't get a good rating, money gets taken away....it isn't about the kids anymore. Wee one asked me if they had FCAT's in NC. I told her no and she said "Let's move there tomorrow...." No child should have to feel this way. Not to mention that the kids education is being short changed....they are learning to pass a test while real subjects and learning are being pushed aside.
When my husband and I decided on accepting the job down here, we wanted it to make a better life for our kids. We are making more money, living easier, and enjoying many of the advantages of living in a warmer climate and being able to enjoy the beach, trying new and interesting things....but I feel so guilty. Although there are good things that have happened, when something like this comes along, I can't help but feel totally at fault. In our haste to make a "better" life for our kids, did we make a mistake? And while Betsy is excelling at school, she has had her fair share of problems....different from the ones her sister is having.
I don't know what to do....I don't know what to say. I told her that I loved her and that I was so proud of her for working so hard to improve. I praised her for sticking to it and told her to do her best....that is all she can do. I reinforced my faith in her and told her that after next week it will all be over and she can go back to having fun. I just pray I'm right. I pray I haven't ruined or stifled my precious, fun loving, free wheeling child. She is the very essence of a free spirit....and I don't want her to lose that quality. I want her to shine.
And on that note....I'm going to bed!
25 comments:
Of course you didn't make a mistake. You've moved to a beautiful place and you've got a great life there.
This high stakes testing is just out of control -- and I'm afraid that we have President Bush and his No Child Left Behind Act to thank for that. It's just so much easier to try to "fix" poor learning situations with circles and percentages rather than to try to improve teaching skills and create real learning environments. Meanwhile, kids like your little one suffer and testing companies rake in the bucks.
I am all for trying to even the playing field for kids who are stuck in poor schools. But this testing obsessesion won't do it.
This started way back when my kids were in public school. I saw the work load during the days increase and also the take home load. To me they got them all day do they need to send them homework home. I mean for real. !!!!!!!!!!! YEs they put teachers where they dont belong and I see so many things That just makes me scream. NO You did the best you could in those situations. But yes its scary and I m glad that you as a mom are concerned that will help rather than just saying she has to do it. OR she needs this or that. But htat kind of pressure was sucking the life right out of my kids. Rachael was too much of a free spirit to put her in that controled setting. I just could not do it. I had to bring them home. Even the private school though good nothing was like momma did. So Maybe you can somehow get her thru this week. She knows yoru on her side that is what matter. She can see you care. I think she is old enough to understand that there is ONLY so much you can do. YES I would fear too if I talked to the teacher she would single my child out too!!!!!!! I WISH I could hug her too {{{{{{{WWWWWEEE ONEEEEEEE }}}}}}}} IM sorry you feel so bad. I will pray you guys find an answer and soon. Lori
My heart breaks for you and your child, this horrific senario is exactly whyI have always homeschooled!! My kids are gaining knowledge, not learning a test. You have options in life for her education, homeschooling is legal in EVERY state, you would have to get yourself informed on local laws and be determined but it is a viable alternative!! Please consider it and I hope all goes well, for her testing, does the teacher let the kids play at all during the day?? They need a playtime to relieve the stress . Unfortunately for now she has to buck up and do her best but perhaps a special funtime at home is needed to help her "de" stress. Best wishes!
~Julie
WOW! I can't believe some teacher's! I rember when I had a bad teacher in 1st grade and I was held back by my Mom and I'm happy I was. I learned more the 2nd time through. Not only that I had one of my Mom's friend's for a teacher so I was "teacher's pet!" :D I wish Wee One the best of luck on the test!!!
I agree with you it's horrible, never have I seen the schools in such dire straits. Our funding is cut off we have old delapidated schools. As parents we have to supply everything, and this is how our children ur treated. Personally I don't feel I would be an adequate teacher. My child just doesn't follow my directions, I don't think it's an option for me.
Well, don't move to Wisconsin, cuz we have the same thing here. I understand your frustrations totally. Josh went thru the same thing this year...and just cuz he clamped up and froze on those tests...now he is in special classes he doesn't need, but to keep the state funding they have to do it that way. Sad... He gets pulled away from his friends to go to these classes. I completely understand, and I think you did the right thing. Everything you told her was the right thing to say. The pressure they have given her, it's just wrong. You have done all the right things for you and your family...don't let the school ruin that for you. I will keep Wee One in my prayers...
(((hugs to you both)))
I think all the emphasis on studying is what is stressing her out. I would cool it with the 2 hour sessions at home if she is doing it all day in school. In Georgia, the 4th graders need to pass a Gateway test which tests knowledge in all areas. If the kids fail, they do not get promoted. Fourth grade is a stressful grade in my opinion. A lot of the teachers feel pressure to have their students pass and so they grind them. I'd lay off at home. If Wee One is a relatively good student, she should be able to pass no problem, but if she is worked up over it, it might cause her to freak out and not be able to perform. My advise is to tell her that you know she has worked hard and prepared well and that you know she will do a fantastic job. Plant positive thoughts in her head to drown out the negativity. Tell her it is just a simple test and not the BIG thing everyone is making it out to be. I'd also pen a little note to the teacher telling her what you wrote here. She should be made aware that her actions are affecting your child in a negative way.
I think those school test are bull. We have them here in GA. Both my nieces are in school here, but the teachers have to teach down to students, because we have alot of children in our area that English is a Second language. It's sad really...neither group of children learn like they should. These test....seems like alot of pressure for the younger ones.... Give your baby girl a hug from all of us....it will be over soon. Maybe do something special with her and only her this weekend. Keep up posted.
Oh poor little wee one! Those sound awful. We do have testing here in CA, both STAR and CORE testing (not sure what the hey they stand for though). OUr school doesn't do the practices for the tests though. I'm sure the teacher teaches to the test in some way but not the way you are saying they do it at your school. In fact some years they didn't even tell the students the week the test was being held because they didn't want them to stress out over them. Oh yeah, and they had some kind of testing in NC also - maybe NCATs?
I know what you mean Sherri. I am working like a dog in this state but we live like kings. The pay is so low. Our children got accepted this year into that NASA Goldsboro Elementary school but they are cramming math and science at these kids before they have a grasp on English. Kindergarten is like first grade. We didn't get any good job offers when we moved here and have had to work at anything we could find. Our choice though was to stay in Ohio with fighting family and many closing jobs all around us. At least there are jobs to choose from here but they are all soooo sooo low paying. I just don't know if we did the right thing by moving here either. I am very discouraged. You should read the entry I wrote tonight. Don't even have time for a bedtime story anymore. Mostly because the work I do is such drudgery, and then I get twenty phone calls a day from my workers with one gripe or another. Scheduling, paperwork, etc... sometimes it all gets to me. We do love the beach though. A lot of nice things to do here and we do have a beautiful home. Lotta stress to go with it though. High prices for coastal living and low wages. Sort of a toss up.
Hugs,
Lisa
Let me tell ya...we had that problem...you need to THROW a wall-eyed fit with the principal, superintendant,,,,whoever will listen to you...and if that doesnt work? go to private school..thats what we did...cost me lots of time vlounteering to cancel out tuition and working overtime to pay for what i still did owe...but if you want them in private school there is always a way to make it work... I did it for them and I will never regret it..they are back in public school now and doing better than ever....
kelly
http://journals.aol.com/happysunshien/GreenOlivesPickleJuice/
Oh the stress is not a good thing how can she think if she is stressed. I would tell her do your best and try to foucus ,,,in my prayers
Sherri, the English school system is going the same way....tests upon more tests. And as you say it's for the benefit of the school not the child. I know we are raised to "do our best", but I really feel that in some situations it's not appropriate to do this. Rather to "do what's best for me".
I must admit that although I like to try & support schools, if they are acting contrary to my child's interests I'd definately support my child instead. I appreciate what your saying about going in & complaining...only you know if this would back fire on your child. Try being subversive instead! When my youngest was being put under pressure at primary school with SATs, I just told her that the tests were of no benefit to her, that it was for the schools benefit, that although the teachers cared about her results I did not give a damn & if she didn't want to revise or practise I would support her & stand up for her if teachers pressurised her. She actually did fine whilst other kids were a wreck from all the pressure. (we're talking 9 -10 year olds here!) I would consider letting my kids throw a "sickie" for SATs & in fact I have allowed my kids to stay home "ill" when they are being put under pressure they can't cope with. My eldest has very poor co-ordination & found sports day a misery & I just let her be ill every year. When it comes to things that are for their benefit, I would explain why it was important & support them to give it their all, but so much of school is about meeting the needs of the curiculum & the school statistics rather than meeting the needs of the children nowadays. Sorry to say I don't feel even a tiny bit guilty about giving my kids a bit of a 'bad' attitude either! I like them to question the relvance of things. Hope the whole sorry process is over soon & you can all relax & get on with your lives.
We have those tests here in GA and now if you don't pass them when your in the 3rd, 5th and 8th grade you can't move up a grade. It really does put major pressure on the kids since that is all they hear about and do for the next couple of months. I don't get it myself. Maybe you should go have a talk with the principal about the situation. Wee one should not be singled out in class like that and made to feel like that either.
Gretchen
http://livinginsavannah.blogspot.com/
we have similar tests called S.A.T.S. in the UK and the pressure is tremendous. I sympathise with wee one and hope they give her a break. Education is supposed to be fun at her age, poor thing. :)........Jules xx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jules19642001/Itsmylife/
We have what they call "CMT's" here in Connecticut that are exactly the same thing as wee one is taking. This is the ONLY time all year long that we get a memo home from the principal advising us that we should make sure our child "gets a good night's sleep and has a hearty breakfast". What about all the other days of the week?! You know what I do when the CMT's roll around? I tell the kids that I really don't give a crap how they will do on them. Because all in all the grades mean NOTHING to the actual child, it's the state statistics that they mean something too. Also, if you have higher marks in the CMT's, you will get more funding from that state. See where I am going here?! The school's don't give a crap about your child, they just want to show that their school is doing a great job educating the children that go to that school so they can get more funding, period, end of story! So, tell wee one not to worry about this damned tests! They do NOT reflect on her AT ALL!! She could sit and just circle things at random and it still wouldn't affect her. Can you tell I get pissed about these stupid tests?! :)
Hugs and love, Lisa
I live in Nebraska, and we have these tests too, but all they tell the parents is to make sure they get enough rest and have a good breakfast so they are more prepared to take them. There is no studying for them like you have mentioned. I think that is placing too much emphasis on these tests, and not enough on what they are learning all year round. I feel for your daughter, that is way too much pressure to put on a young one. Michele
I live in ohio....and all the kids learn in school now is to pass these tests. My son is in the sixth grade and is terrified because he doesn't do well on these type of tests. He was labeled a slow learner in the 2nd grade from testing....but he is an honor roll student and not in special classes. I think the tests are a joke. More real teaching needs to be going on...not drilling them on the same things over and over. I hope Wee One gets through them ok......sad to see how stressed the schools make the kids.
Tracie
Sherri im so mad right now, OMG your daughter should NOT be this upset!! I would call the school and talk to the teacher and MAKE sure she doesnt single her out its wrong. Here in NY my cousin is a 3rd grade teacher,and when her kids arent learning its her fault, they put the pressure on her!! I give teachers alot of credit they are responsible for alot, but to single out your daughter that is just wrong. She shouldnt be that stressed over a test. I hope your going to call her, good luck!! Heather~ http://journals.aol.com/hra73/heathersmemoirs/
I would recommend you just follow your heart on that one, maybe ask Wee One what she would like you to do for her within reason regarding handling the situation at school. You strength and faith in her will not stifle her spirit, but only add to her more strength and faith!
~Erin
My heart really goes out to her...how unfair of this teacher to put such pressure on the kids like this....a few years ago my son Mike had a teacher like that and she was a real nightmare...you gave her the same advice I would give my kids, and that is to just do your best...
Awww,poor wee-one.This must be so hard for the entire family to be dealing with right now.It sounds like the teacher is panicking about her skills and abilities to teach her class.It also sounds like Florida needs to revamp their entire eduactional system.It must be really hard on you and John for trying to the best for your kids by relocating only to find out the school sytem stinks.Hugs to you and wee-one.KIM
I feel sad for your wee ones sadness. The pressure on kids these days is unbelievable. We have testing in Missouri that sounds similar to what your daughter has to do and I know during this testing everyone seems to be on High Nerve Alert. All will be okay after this is over! Good luck!
I know what you mean....the FCAT was one of the big reasons for us to decide to homeschool. My daughter was just like yours....sobbing...and I just said 'what the heck..I can't mess her up any worse than they are....' GOOD LUCK to you and wee one... :-/
~Amy
Oh poooooooooooooooor weeone. What a wack that teacher is...a selfish wack. My sons entire forth grade was all about that test. The same thing. Every day. He had even commented back then that forth grade was a waste. I remember he did terrible at reading comprehension. But the school itself did really good. They had him going to a special reading class after that every single day. He hated it.
She just needs to do the best she can and if that's not good enough for the teacher well tough shit. Who cares? It's the teachers problem not hers. Maybe you can tell her that.
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