Re: SOL Tests for fall semester

Yes, you are right they didn't necessarily change the question difficulty
but the number needed to pass, which equates you need to know less of it
to pass.

I do agree that with history the facts do take precident to the complex
ideas and interactions that created the history itself. It is a shame
because THAT is the information that will carry us forward as a people if
we understand what happened and why. The dates and names allow us to
better understand the period and the limitations of it doesn't have much
do help us in the way of not making the same mistakes over and over
again. Jeopardy doesn't help us apply the lessons learned from history!

Excuse any typos or spelling errors...

On 1/17/10, Bulldog to Jo wrote:
> I read the article. The test questions are not any easier per se, but
> I did look into some of my stuff and the number of questions a student
> has to answer correctly did drop by a few. In my discipline
> (history), it used to be 34 of 60 and now it's 30 of 60. Even so, the
> kids did well. What I really don't like is that I have to teach my
> class like a stinking Jeopardy! game. I never "know" what the state
> is going to ask.
>
> One thing the article did bring out that I liked is if the feds are
> going to mandate testing, then they should run it for the whole
> country so we can see who really is doing what they are supposed
> to...but that's another discussion altogether.
>
> On 1/16/10, Jo wrote:
>> Hi, Bulldog,
>>
>> I finally found it. I've been looking for the information
>> regarding states lowering standards on testing. This is why I
>> initially made the comment about the test getting easier.
>>
>> I've watched many of your posts, and I know you work very hard with
>> your students and seem to use some excellent methods. I think the
>> things you have described teaching them is absolutely fantastic.
>> Please don't see this post as an attack. It isn't meant to be.
>> However, I did want to let you know that my concerns and what I saw
>> was not out of left field. So, I want to show you the
>> information.
>>
>> http://www.ny@times.com/2009/10/30/e@ducation/30educ.html?_r=1
>>
>> Remove the @ signs from the link.
>>
>> While I am not agreeing or disagreeing to the NAEP standards, I
>> just didn't know if you were aware the VA has reduced the
>> difficulty of their state testing.
>>
>>
>> On 12/15/09, Bulldog to Jo wrote:
>>>> Why were you expecting less than stellar results? If you
>>>> really thought they wouldn't pass, did the tests get easier
>>>> this year?
>>>
>>> I didn't expect many of them to pass because they had been doing
>>> so poorly on tests and quizzes. Many of my students (some have
>>> reading disabilities and other IEP's)are low-level students
>>> because they are poor test takers. Many have come to me about
>>> their test anxiety and poor study skills. They have worked very
>>> hard to improve in these areas.
>>>
>>> I don't think the tests got easier, per se, but I do think my
>>> students learned how to take tests better. Not accusing you of
>>> anything here, but if I were a more sensitive person, I could
>>> view that tests easier comment as being a bit snide.
>>>
>>> Either way, I'm proud of my kids. And, I found out today that
>>> two of my LEP students passed the test and another one of my IEP
>>> students passed as well. The IEP kid came in and stated how
>>> thrilled he was since this was the first SOL he had passed since
>>> 5th grade. He said that there were many questions he didn't
>>> remember, but he did say that he took my advice and answered the
>>> ones he knew and then tried to work out the others.
>>>
>>> Definitely a teacher moment!