Search Results for: blog the purpose of a standardized test

Standardized Testing and Special Needs

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We are now in the portion of the school year when students across the country will be expected to take standardized tests. The scores they receive on those tests will be used to determine everything from which schools get funding to which teachers will lose their jobs. In some states, kids who are in special education are allowed to have more time to take those tests. Is this really a good idea? I have yet to meet a student or an educator that looks forward to the weeks when their school will be doing standardized testing. The results of these … Continue reading →

Is Testing Homeschoolers Really a Bad Idea?

A recent Washington Post article promotes homeschool testing as a way to tame this huge “sleeping giant”. To ease the fears of public school students and to protect students from “well-meaning but inexperienced parents” It seems the general public wants to put more restrictions on homeschoolers regardless of how successful we are. The article profiles author, associated professor at Indiana University, and former high school teacher Robert Kunzman and his book “Write These laws on Your Children: Inside the World of Conservative Christian Homeschooling”. The author was allowed into the homes of six homeschoolers across the country so he could … Continue reading →

Reasons I am glad we homeschool: Cheating on tests

Were you aware that students print cheat sheets in a very small font, then tape them to the inside of a water bottle label. The water magnifies the text, and walla! They get an easy A? Were you aware that students scan a coke label, and then edit in a graphic design program to have information on the exam instead of the ingredients? Neither did I? Did you know that you can purchase a pen that you can tape cheat information in and each time you click the barrel, it reveals more information? I am amazed. Did you know you … Continue reading →

The Purpose of a Standardized Test. . .

Standardized testing season is soon upon us. I have talked to countless parents, both homeschooling and as a teacher, who felt the need to “prepare” for the standardized test. Since teachers are evaluated in part on how well their students test, there seems to be a culture about testing that is inevitable. It is in one word: pressured. I just thought today I would post with this thought: testing doesn’t need to be and shouldn’t be pressured. I also am of the school of thought that you don’t have to prepare for it. It should be a measure of what … Continue reading →

Standardized Tests: My Thoughts

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Over the past couple of days, I have defined standardized tests. I have also listed the factors that are argued for and against standardized testing. I am now a kindergarten teacher and I do not have to deal with standardized testing on the same level as third through eighth grades. My class participates in Dibels testing, which is individually given more often in shorter intervals. However, I taught eighth grade for four years and participated in standardized testing each year. I feel that standardized testing in my district affects the students’ individual academics very little. The test results are not … Continue reading →

AAP Recommends Some Schools Start Later

Having trouble getting your teenager to get up and prepare for school in the morning? There is a reason why that it happening – and it isn’t entirely your teen’s fault. Some of it has to do with developmental biology. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending that the start time of the school day be later for middle schools and high schools. The purpose is to combat sleep deprivation in teens. The AAP published a new policy statement in August of 2014. They are recommending that schools delay the start time of class until 8:30 in the morning … Continue reading →

Many Babies With Developmental Delays are Untreated

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A study finds that one out of every three infants with developmental delays are not getting the treatment they require. This is because doctors are not referring all infants that meet the criteria for acceptance into an early intervention service to these programs. The reasons why are unknown. How can a doctor discover whether or not an infant has developmental delays? There is a test of developmental skills that can be preformed. Babies who score well below average on these tests are considered to be at a high risk for having developmental delays. Infants who spent time in the neonatal … Continue reading →

Best Read: Educating the Wholehearted Child

God did not forget to include “school” in his biblical design for raising children-home education is a natural expression of all that God intended for parents and their children. ~ Educating the Wholehearted Child * Written by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson * Published by Apologia Press (3rd Edition – June 2011) * Paperback Volume – (11 in x 8.5 in x 1in) * 376+ pages * Biblical, Christ Centered Advice for Homeschooling Families * Available from Apologia Educational Ministries * $22.00 * See the Table of Contents HERE. The Clarkson’s began their homeschooling journey when their first child was … Continue reading →

Waivers from No Child Left Behind Raises Concerns

The Department of Education is allowing all 50 states to apply for a waiver from the No Child Left Behind Act. This law was created during the Bush administration. How will the waivers affect students who have special needs? The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB ) was created in 2001. The main purpose of this law was to make schools, and teachers, accountable for how well, (or how poorly), their students are learning. The criteria that is being used to determine which schools are doing well, and which are “failing”, comes from standardized testing. The scores that come from … Continue reading →

Homeschooling Groups and Resources in Kentucky A-G

Involvement with other homeschoolers is very important to a family’s success in homeschooling. Joining a homeschool network or support group in your area will make a difference in your homeschooling journey. You can find homeschooling groups as well as many homeschooling classes, and programs that your students can enjoy. In this series, we are covering homeschool groups and resources across the country. This installment will cover Kentucky homeschool groups and resources A-G. Audubon Christian Homeschool Co-Op is a support group with a family like atmosphere. Members are from Henderson, Webster, and Union County and meet every Friday offering classes like … Continue reading →