sad reality of FCAT

It seems the fourth grade teachers had to identify the number of students in their classes who would not pass 4th grade writing test.  The number was astounding to the principal, so he called for me hoping for a lower number.  These are his words so to speak: 

Principal:  "We'll not keep our AYP (annual yearly progress) and lose monies from the state for that.  We'll go down from a B school to a C school and lose Federal Title I monies."

I just stared at him.  "Yes sir.  I understand." 

Principal:  "What can we do in a month?"

Me:  "We don't have a month."

The bottom line is administration has known all along about this group of 4th graders who don't care.  We get groups like this every several years.  The administration has known all along that maybe the right teachers are not in this critical grade level where so much is riding on test results.  Now everyone is in a panic.  Not me.  I've done my job.  I've sent the warning signals.  I've bribed, fussed, forgiven, and started over.

Teacher A:  "Lord help us."

Teacher B:  "I don't care anymore.  (duh..do you think there's a connection there?)

Teacher C:  "I've done my job.  My kids are ready."

Teacher D:  "I should have never gotten all these kids that have problems in my class."

Teacher E:  "Thanks, Mrs. George.  We'll probably do okay."

So there you are.  The stress of FCAT.

Comments

[Debbi]

Thanks for doing such a great job, Merry! If only we would all do our job and help kids get ready not only for FCAT, but for being prepared in life...it would really be a lot easier than complaining that the kids we are "dealt" each year are not up to our standards. I personally am tired of people complaining and having to tell them to get working instead of complaining. It does make you feel much better to help even one child than to whine about the rest.