Enrollment forms for our new insurance plans will be due by November 25th (the Tuesday before Thanksgiving).
Did anyone attend any interesting or informative conferences this past NEOEA day? If so, please share your experience by commenting below!
The following post was taken from www.ohea.org in regards to OEA’s position on high stakes testing.
COLUMBUS — October 21, 2014 — The Ohio Education Association (OEA) today applauded the introduction of House Bill 642 by Representative Teresa Fedor, D-Toledo. The bill calls for a 3-year suspension of high-stakes decisions based on student test scores in measuring student growth and evaluating teacher performance.
“As Senator Peggy Lehner, the chair of the Senate Education Committee, has noted – ‘we are over-testing our kids’,” said OEA President Becky Higgins. “We urge state lawmakers to hit the pause button and determine which tests are actually needed and which are also appropriate for the grade level at which they’re being administered.”
OEA believes that with the use of the new Common Core standards in Ohio schools and the prospect of even more tests being conducted, it is important to take more time to make sure the implementation of these standards goes well.
“We’ve seen what has happened in other states where the hasty implementation of Common Core and the related testing has led to a backlash among parents, students and educators,” continued OEA President Higgins. “We support Ohio’s New Learning Standards, but we want to make sure Ohio gets it right. That’s why we think taking the time to ‘test the tests’ would be a prudent course to follow.”
Last spring, OEA members voted unanimously at their Representative Assembly to support the 3-year delay in the use of high-stakes decisions based on student test results. OEA is pleased that 18 co-sponsors have already signed on in support of Representative Fedor‘s bill.
“We recognize the need for a comprehensive assessment of student growth. But student assessments should not be overly-dependent on the results of standardized tests, “said Higgins. “Students are spending too much time preparing for and taking tests. There needs to be a more balanced approach to identifying the strengths and needs of students.”
This fall, NEA provides helpful information in the battle against high stakes testing. Follow this link to discover a simple “widget” in which you can easily contact your representative regarding reducing the federal role in testing. You are able to choose representative and senators and edit your message for either e-mail or a printed letter.
Because, despite our best efforts, we are still captive by high-stakes testing, NEA offers a humorous take on how to deal with these stresses. An excerpt from the “survival guide” is below, but you can read the entire article here.
One teacher says on weekends she “wines” a little. She’s fond of Chardonnay. Another says she “protests.” She’s from Seattle. All teachers say they object. They’re from planet Earth, and they realize the standardized testing regime is unfair, unreasonable, and untenable. But until a better method for assessment is finally put into practice, educators have figured out some methods to thwart stress.
First, do not panic. Stress and tests don’t mix and you want your students to be comfortable, even if you aren’t.
Christopher Carey admits to finding testing more stressful than many of his students do. “How very unfortunate: They’re used to it,” he says.
For those who still struggle, help them relax.
“I help my students mellow out by playing games with them during testing weeks,” says Elisheva Creve. “Their brains need a break so they can think clearly.”
Michelle Drummond Mayo advises tapping into what called you to the profession. “Teach, teach, teach with all your heart, and when testing time comes, rev up your students and pack them full of enthusiasm and confidence,” she says. “I always tell my kids we’re going to show the people in Little Rock (our state capitol) what we can do!”
Christy Mansfield tries to model “standing up for what’s right” behavior by not teaching to the test, but around the tests.
According to The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook, most UFO sightings are in rural areas, away from bright lights, and near military installations. Tests, on the other hand, are ubiquitous, and survival strategies must be developed by all educators, everywhere. UFO sightings occur most frequently during the summer months, around 9 p.m., with a secondary peak at around 3 a.m. Although testing occurs most frequently in spring, for several hours during consecutive weeks, test prep is perpetual. Vigilance is required.