Re: FCAT worries

I, like you, am getting very tired of getting chewed because
my kids are not "up to par." Like you, I am NOT responsible
for student attendance, where students come in just in time
for lunch or leave shortly after lunch. Shopping trips are
more important than school. I am NOT responsible for kids
who do not get supper or breakfast, nor am I responsible for
kids who come to school tired because there was too much
partying or celebrating the night before. I am NOT
responsible for students NOT doing their homework. Why
should I knock myself out trying to get kids to learn when
they refuse to lift a pencil and do their OWN work? UGH THEN
WHY is so much pressure put on teachers? WHY should I suffer
sleepless nights or high blood pressure due to the stress.

On 3/07/09, Megan wrote:
> Is anyone else having nightmares about FCAT scores? I am
> really worried about it coming up next week. I have
> followed the focus calendar but still worry about how my
> kids will do. I have stressed the importance of a good
> night sleep as well as eating a good breakfast. Is it just
> me or does anyone else feel almost nauseated from this
> test? I think part of the reason is because we as teachers
> know how this test can affect our teaching careers. How
> sad it is to know that one test will be used to determine
> if I have taught well or not. I know that it all depends
> on how a child feels the day of the test. In addition,
> some kids just don't test well. Regardless, I will be
> judged by how all of my kids do on ONE test. RIDICULOUS!!!
> GET RID OF THE FCAT.....IT DOES NOT PROVE THAT A TEACHER
> HAS DONE HIS OR HER JOB.
> Perfect example, I had a child come to school with gum in
> his hair, very upset. Do you think he did well? NO! Was
> that my fault? NO!
> What about the student that does not get enough sleep
> because mom/dad lets them stay up all hours of the night?
> Is that my fault? Absolutely not!!!
> Parents need to take some ownership with this test. There
> is WAY too much emphasis placed on the teacher as to why a
> student did not pass. GET REAL!!!
> Sorry I just had to vent.