OT: Pray for my students

We're taking TAKS test today.  That's the state mandated test in Texas.  My 4th graders are taking writing and my 5th graders are taking Reading.  It's going to be a stressful day!  This is just the first round, we'll be taking more as the semester goes on!

I stress because it's just not fair that Special Ed. students who are on 1 and 2nd grade level have to take a 4th and 5th grade level test.  Not that the powers that be asked my opinion on this, or care what my opinion is.  LOL

Hugs,
Marsha

Hi, Marsha.
I understand your frustration. As a former high school English teacher I felt for those of my students in the Special Ed. department, who were used to having helps (like having a test read to them) but were all on their own with the state assessments. It stressed them out so badly. I felt so sorry for them.
I passed out peppermint lifesavers and juice, and that helped. :) 
Blessings,
Mary

Having a special needs son I can so sympathize. Will pray for your kids.

Thanks guys!  We're finished for now.  We still have three more rounds to get through later on in the year.  It's just so stressful.  Then on top of that stress, we've had a mother here who just got out of jail and was here trying to take her son.  He and his teacher were hidden out in my room.  The stress never ends at school!

Hugs,
Marsha

Hi,
I know what you mean I also work at school. The stress never ends.
I had the sleeve on Friday,  2-13-09 and went back to school on Monday.  I didn't feel like I had a day to myself, and it hasn't got any better.
Good Luck to you.
joejoe

Um, JoeJoe, did someone forget to tell you that you had major surgery and needed some time off to heal?  If I was your close by friend, I would've physically restrained you!!!  It's ok to nurture yourself every now and again!  Be gentle to the tiny tummy!

Congress forgot about special education when they wrote the No Child Left Behind legislation.  There is no way that it is fair for my higher functioning mentally retarded kids to take the same test as the valedictorians.  That is simply child abuse in the guise of a high stakes test.  I am a special education teacher.
In Oklahoma the ACE legislation makes it mandatory for my LD and MR 9th graders to not only pass my algebra class but also pass the end of instruction test or they will NEVER get a diploma.  Hello???  They have a diagnosed disability!!!  Who ever decided that testing equals more learning needs to get a swift kick in the hind end!

OK, stepping off soap box now!

Denise,

I am so on that soapbox with you.  My 5th graders have to pass the reading TAKS on grade level to go on to sixth grade.  They get three tries to pass, but if they don't I can place them in 6th grade...but like you said, they won't get a diploma.  I would love for some of the legislatures who passed No Child Left Behind...aka Mr. Bush to come to a special ed classroom and teach one day.....they couldn't do it!  As far as that goes, they need to come to a regular ed classroom and teach one day and see what every teacher faces each day.  

Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox now too.  I can't do anything about it, it's going to take SpED parents rebelling to get the laws changed, and most of them won't do that.

Hugs,
Marsha