The TAKS is what the state of Texas uses as an assessment of each student in the state. The teachers are under extreme pressure to have the kids pass with very scores. With that pressure on the teachers...all they do all year~ until this week~ is teach to the TAKS test. And from here on out they are very low key in teaching. They cannot have anything to drink but water and have to eat their lunches in the testing rooms. They cannot have anything chocolate or peanut butter...they have to bring lunch in paper bags. It would be easier if they just fed them what they wanted them to eat! It is so frustrating! Our kids have gone to schools in 3 states and we have never seen anything like this! Kristy (Brown)Sinks has experienced this in her time in Texas as well...so she might feel my pain?? :)
Brooklyn took her 1st section in early March and passed with flying colors and both have passed reading on the commendable level, which is the highest. Brenn had his tests Tuesday and Wednesday and Brooklyn had hers on Thursday and Friday. This week is very stressful on all the kids. Activities shut down for the week and kids are encouraged to stay home after school and prepare for the tests. Brooklyn's school has 99.9% passing in math and reading, so they really point to that as they take the tests, I think that adds more pressure. anyway....as of yesterday we are officially done with the TAKS test!! They are implementing a new test next year, Thank Heavens!! Good job Brook and Brenn, we are very proud of you!!
4 comments:
I actually kinda liked taking standardized tests like that in school...just cuz they were something different...maybe I liked them because I never felt too much pressure with them (nothing like you make the pressure with those sound.)
Glad they are over with and school is almost out. Yay for summer!
Texas is the worst state when it comes to testing!!!! They put so much pressure on the students and teachers. Laredo was so over the top with it. They ordered TAKS shirts, for all teachers and students to wear during testing. They would order water bottles for everyone and fruit and veggie trays for each room. We even had a big parade, but Laredo had parades for everything. Than when they are over, it's like school has stopped. Nothing much goes on. I'm glad the survived. I do feel the pain;)
Wow! Sounds absolutely horrible!! Glad the testing is over...poor kids!
The importance placed on standardized tests is so blown out of proportion. And if you are still looking for a great chocolate chip cookie recipe, my friend's is so so so delicious. My absolute favorites. It's on my blog if you are interested.
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