Dear Mr. ______,
Thank you for
responding to my inquiry. I teach 5th grade in a NY State public
school. I've been anxious to see what would result
from the information that has been gathered in recent months from
teachers, parents, students and administrators around the state in response to
the implementation of the CCSS and the new tests.
It's
possible there's been some mis-understanding about what was meant when concerns
were raised about the length of the test and the stress the time spent on
tests causes, though. I think many(all?) of us were hoping there
would be a reduction in the number of days of testing, as well as a
reduction in the amount of reading passages and questions students are
faced with. It is the cumulative impact of day after day of
lengthy testing that causes much of the stress students encounter.
Shortening the tests by a few questions and then
allowing students to sit in an un-timed setting for longer than
the 70-90 minutes previously allotted, over the course of six
days, doesn't seem to address those concerns.
I
want to support my students in an appropriate manner. I'm not sure,
though, I understand how I will be administering six days of un-timed tests.
What will the SED be recommending for protocol under the new
recommendations of un-timed tests?
I
also read, with interest, that teachers are being invited to help write test
questions. Will the Standards be modified before that process begins, so
they'll be writing questions for developmentally appropriate standards, or
are the standards remaining the same?
Additionally,
is it possible there will be further adjustments made in response to
concerns, or is this the final response?
I
welcome feedback and open dialog, if that is possible. I am a
veteran elementary educator and continue to have passion for my job as a
teacher. I'm interested in helping New York return to sensible education
policy that supports all students in their learning journeys.
I
look forward to hearing back from you,
Sincerely,
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