Delay Common Core Testing

"Delay Urged On Actions Tied to Tests By Schools" by Motoko Rich, New York Times, June 11, 2014

There should be a two year wait before school districts make decisions on teachers by the results of the new common core testing results.

The process of putting the new core in place and then developing the tests to see what the students know has been too fast.

Schools in California are suppose to have each student taking the tests online.  As a substitute teacher. I see net-books used that are small to see the questions, log ins not working, networks crashing.  Middle school students switch to different web pages to listen to music while they work.  Many students do not care about standardized testing so it seems like a weak link when evaluating a teacher.  Are you a 'bad' teachers if you have a room of students who do not care about their education?

I have students that have trouble reading and the new core shows them far below basic because that can't read.  They may know the material but are being tested a way that does not show their knowledge. 

I would love to see other teacher's comments on this article!

An Undecorated Classroom?

An article in the New York Times, June 10, 2014 says that a busy, decorated classroom distracts students from learning.  I don't remember too many discussions, while earning my teaching credential ,about what the classroom walls should look like.

By sixth grade, children have more ability to tune out the distractions all over the walls.  So when you enter your classroom next year, think about what the students will be looking at while you are trying to teach.

It is simple really, just don't go overboard on classroom decorations.

• have a simple calendar section
• post only current art projects that the students make
• have a simple word wall
• use less neon colors and attention borders
• put most of the distracting materials in the back of the classroom so you can tell who is looking at them and not at you while you doing direct instruction.

When in doubt just remember less is best.

(Based on an article by Jan Hoffman "A Wall as a Barrier to Learning".)

Math Anxiety

When you worry about a math test it can lead to a decrease in working memory so you really can not remember.

When learning new formulas, I recommend rewriting the formula every time you use it.  I also recommend you say the formula out loud.  This lets you see it many time, hear it many times and write it many times.  When you take a test you don't need to worry because you will recall it.  It may seem like overkill but it works.

Also tests should not be timed anymore.  The stress of time makes a student worry.  Ask to take the test in the library for as long as you need.  If your grade improves you and your teacher will understand the time is creating your anxiety.  A good teacher will let you take all your tests that way.

Also when you feel like you are not good a math.  Some will say, " you just don't have a math brain", so you just give up.  You may not be good at math but what you do need is more practice with math.  Maybe most of the class totally understands new material after doing 10 problems but you might need 20 problems.

So you need to work harder and perhaps hire a tutor to work with you.  Math is like a foreign language.  You need to learn the vocabulary and understand each step.

From "Reducing Math Anxiety by Liana Heitin June 10 ,2014