I do think burnout is an issue. In my
state, 3rd graders are state tested in
Communication Arts and Science. Fourth
graders are tested in Math and Social
Studies. These are not the old multiple
choice tests - but quite difficult (in my
opinion) constructed response and essay
type questions. It seems to me that our
school spends so much time getting in the
Science and Social Studies at a young age
(to pass these state tests) that we are not
doing our students an adequate service in
Reading, Writing, and Math. I think that a
lot of the frustration I see comes from not
having the basic skills needed to be
successful in the intermediate grades (and
higher of course). This especially hurts
those who struggle to begin with. I think
we are trying to teach too much too young.
Just my opinion.

Laura, 4th grade

Laura, livewire0707@hotmail.com,
2/06/02

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