The state tests are coming up in two weeks. We had our last round of "benchmark" tests a few weeks ago, and I found out that my students are averaging 59% as a class. I have two weeks to review everything we've learned this year. Even though I hold lunch and afterschool tutorials, I can't wrap my head around how I'm going to get them all to pass.
The teacher that some of my kids came to me from was Baltimore City's Teacher of the Year last year. He got 100% of his students to pass the MSA, and over the course of this year I've seen a number of those students fall lower and lower. Not to mention, the scores on the three benchmarks we've taken this year have steadily decreased. Apparently, the more I teach, the less they know.
I know that these tests don't mean everything. But, it's hard to not deeply question myself when these numbers are staring me in the face. I feel like I'm failing these kids.
And I thought I'd be a good teacher...
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don't give up...you're probably making more progress than you think. inspiration, caring, and all that good cheesy stuff I know you're giving your kids - none of that can really be measured in percentages.
ReplyDeleteJeff! I got caught up on your blog. I just want you to know that someone knows you're a great teacher. I can tell just from your blog. Those test scores are seriously SO unreliable. I know that doesn't make you feel any better because what teachers are judged on are test scores. You're giving your students a lot just by being there for them. Think about students who have teachers who "just don't care anymore." You're making a difference. A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE!
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