Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Saturday Sayings: Excellent Teaching Trumps All



In honor of state testing in two weeks, my first graders will be asked to read an end-of-year passage to a total stranger who's holding a stopwatch in their hand. They have to read 53 words per minute or more in order to score at or above grade level.

During the next two weeks, I refuse to:

  • ask my readers to read random, meaningless passages
  • let them see me with a stopwatch in my hand
  • talk to them about words per minute
  • tell them that they're going to be tested

Instead I will:



  • continue on with balanced literacy instruction (shared reading, mini-lessons, independent reading, guided reading, etc.) using real, authentic literature
  • give them opportunities to practice fluency strategies with familiar rereads and favorite weekly poems
  • encourage them to read with a storyteller's voice, to put their words together like they're talking, and to scoop words together
  • say these words the morning of the test: "Hey kiddos. Some good friends of mine are going to check your smart parts today. They'll take great care of you. Just be brave and do your best."

In the face of the inevitable mandated test, I still believe in the power of excellent literacy instruction and quality literature. Passages and stopwatches squeeze the life right out of our readers. Some might argue that those tools prepare readers for a better testing experience. Even if that's the case, and I have my doubts, I'd rather prepare my readers for a better reading life.

In this testing season, stop and reflect. Excellent teaching trumps all.



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12 comments:

  1. In honor of --- haha. Yep, stopwatches and passages here. And especially your "smart pants" encouragement!
    Sara

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    1. Thanks Sara! I try to keep things real. :)

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  2. Wow! I had no idea that first graders were actually tested like that. That's scary and a complete and total waste of time.

    All I can say is your kids are SO lucky they have you as their teacher!

    Good luck with it all. xo

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    1. Barb, actually from what I hear, first graders in my state have it pretty good compared to what some other states ask theirs to do, so I don't complain but I do try to keep it in perspective.

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  3. Great post! Made me think- my tests are this coming week.
    Ann

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    1. Ann, tis the season, isn't it? Thank you for coming by!

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  4. Quite simply, I am in awe of you and am so glad that you are a teacher. Your kids and the rest of us are so lucky that you are so thoughtful (meaning both reflective and kind). Thanks.

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    1. Oh Lyn, thank you. I'm blessed by your words and your support.

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  5. We have to test them with a stopwatch twice per month to record reading fluency. Our Kinders need to be at 40 wpm to be on grade level-I know! We used to actually take standardized tests every year from K-2 but I guess our district lost that contract, so we don't have to do that anymore.

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    1. Miss Trayers, I always shake my head when I think about what your k kids have to do. I know you shake your head as well. At least you know excellent teaching and don't get caught up in it all.

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  6. It is sad the pressure students are put through for testing each year. Love how you handle it in your room!

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    1. Lori, I sure do try to keep it in perspective. I'm lucky my kids aren't asked to do more, since I know some places definitely do.

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