Just when you thought they couldn’t make the SAGE test worse…

Thank you Sen. Osmond and Rep. Cunningham.

Utah S.B. 204, attractively named “Parental Rights in Public Education”*, among a lot of other things, states:

“(f) providing that scores on the tests and assessments required under Subsection (2)(a) and Subsection (3) [shall] may not be considered in determining:
      (i) a student's academic grade for the appropriate course [and]; or
      (ii) whether a student [shall] may advance to the next grade level.”

Simply put, I will no longer be able to count my student’s SAGE test scores on their grades.  That includes the 8 benchmark tests and the year end test that I am required to give.

Consider these things:

1. I’m supposed to use the data from the benchmark tests to accurately influence my upcoming instruction, filling in gaps that show up in the test data.
2. The data from the end of the year SAGE test is supposed to be used to accurately rate schools and teachers.
3. Students hate tests.
4. Most students only work out difficult problems on tests because it counts on their grade.  (How many times did you ask your teacher “is this on the test?”)
5. Some students will purposely fail a test to spite the teacher that pushes them if they know they will not be held accountable for it.
6. Students hate tests. (Oh, did I say that already?)
7. Most students, if they are not held responsible for it, DO NOT CARE about test scores.

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In case you don’t believe #3 & #6, here is what one of my students drew on his notes today (5/18)

We finished our SAGE tests over a week ago, so this sentiment is a bit removed from his having to take the test.

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I can guarantee my scores will go down next year.  But even worse is that I will be making instructional decisions on faulty data; test results on tests that students have absolutely no investment in.

And finally, I ask you Mr. Osmond and Mr. Cunningham; If it’s not fair to grade a student on their SAGE test scores, how can it possible be fair to grade teachers and schools on them?

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*After all, who could argue that parents should have rights when it comes to their child’s education.

Self-righteous ass.

I read an article in the Tribune today (“Teachers: Our guns keep your kids safe”, front page) that got the opinions of two teachers that have Concealed Carry Permits (CCP) and carry guns to school.

Overall it was a good article, even changed my mind about HB389 that would have CCP teacher identify themselves to the administration and parents.  But one comment by Paul Smith (the pseudonym used in the article) made me angry.

In reference to teachers with a CCP, he said “We’re more trustworthy to teach their kids than easily anybody else, because we’ve got that constant check on our moral compass.”

You arrogant SOB, why? 

Because you have a background check to get the permit and all the rest of the teachers don’t?  Oh, wait.  We do, every teacher gets fingerprinted and pays for their own background check before they are given a teaching license.

Because your CCP needs to be renewed every 5 years, and you have to go through another background check and we don’t?  Uh, nope.  I have to renew my teaching license every 5 years, and go through a background check each time.

Because the process of obtaining a CCP makes you more morally upstanding than the process of obtaining a teaching license?  Well, maybe.  I’ve never had to go through the process of getting a CCP, but from what I’ve heard it’s not too hard – a 4 hour class and background check.  As opposed to the 4 years of college and a background check it takes to get a teaching license.

Mr. Paul Smith, or whatever your real name is, your arguments for allowing CCP guns in classrooms would be a lot more palatable if you got off your (subjective) morally superior high horse.

Another Facebook find.

This goes for law enforcement, fire department and social services workers too. (20% may be an exaggeration too, but the sentiment still is valid.)