Number of Minutes Spent Testing

I found this interesting.

NYS Bar Exam = 375 minutes

NYS School Building Leader Exam = 360 minutes

NYS School District Leader Exam = 360 Minutes

NYS 4th grade ELA, Math and Science Exams = 540 minutes

NYS 3rd grade Exam = 420

One Principal standing up for kids + Priceless

Here’s the article.

http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130503/CITYANDREGION/130509667/1003

I Totally Agree with Amber….

Amber Chandler is a colleague of mine.  We graduated from the same program at Buffalo State College.  This morning I opened my Buffalo News and found this commentary in it, written by Amber.  I agree with her in the fact that much, much more goes on between the hours of 8 and 3 than many folks realize.  Please take time to consider all that does happen once you put your children on the bus every morning. 

Here is the link to the article/commentary from the Buffalo News

http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130427/OPINION/130429318/1074

Interesting Ideas

I received from one of the groups that I subscribe to through LinkedIn.  For those of you know don’t know, the easiest way to describe LinkedIn is as “Facebook for professionals”.  It helps you to network with people in your field to discuss topics, look for jobs, etc.  It’s another extension of my PLN or Professional Learning Network.  Like I have said before, I use social media in two ways.  Facebook I use for my personal connections.  You will find me connected to my friends from high school and different social circles that I move within.  What you will not find is my colleagues that I work with in education.  That is if you can even find me through the heightened security levels that I have turned on. 

I also use Twitter as part of my PLN as well.  Here, again, I only follow professionals in the field of education.  OK, I also follow WGR550, sports radio and the official Twitter handles of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

This link that I am posting is extremely relevant to the education field today.  It is from Forbes and about how to overcome the fear of change.  With all of the changes that are going on in education right now, its something that everyone should consider.

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fhfe45edki/how-to-overcome-fear-of-change-at-work/?goback=.gde_2238203_member_230829750

Enjoy!

A Valid Point

Yesterday my husband came across this article.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/04/06/teachers-resignation-letter-my-profession-no-longer-exists/

I call it an article, however it is a resignation letter of a high school teacher.  This comes from someone who is extremely frustrated with the changes that are coming with the new reforms.

I understand that change is difficult for all involved.  Yet, when I look at the history of Education and the evolution of curriculum, I wonder will these changes be meaningful to the masses?  I say this because history shows that the education field reinvents itself every three years or so.  In my opinion, this is not enough time to see if all the “new” ideas, theories, methods, or initiatives actually work.  Teachers just get used to the new ways, when it is all changed on them.  Three years is not enough time to see valid measurable results in my opinion.

It is sad that this gentleman is one of the casualties of education reforms this year.  I wonder how many more there will be and what effect this will have on our students.

I’m Not Sure What to Think

The other day a friend of mine posted this article on Facebook.  The article is about people “opting out” of the state exams.  I understand where both sides are coming from, however I am not sure how I feel about it.  Here is the link to the article

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/District-pushes-back-against-state-testing-4416602.php#src=fb

• I agree with the fact that we test our students too much.
• I agree that much of the creativity in teaching is lost due to the preparation for the state assessments.
• I do not agree that teacher evaluations should be tied to the state assessments.  It’s not fair to teachers when you have a different group of students every year.
• I am not sure if parents “opting out” their children is a good idea.  I understand the point.  What message does this send to the children?

I think the scarier aspect is that with the new exams this year, hardly ANY schools are going to make adequate yearly progress (AYP).  Then what does this say about our state?

As the time for the State Assessments draws nearer, please take time to support your staff.  This is a stressful time of year for the teachers as well as the students.  Showing your staff that you truly do appreciate everything they do will help them out these next few weeks.  Be their cheerleader!

New Post Coming Soon!

I am sorry about not posting anything recently.  It can be attributed to the new addition to our family.  I had a healthy baby girl via C-section on March 15th.  We have been busy adjusting to the new schedule here at home. 

However, I do have some inspiration coming my way.  Last night I was flipping channels and found a documentary on PBS about schools.  Unfortunately, it was already half way through.  Thank goodness for DVRs.  It is now set to record later this week sometime.  I plan on watching it and hope to find some information to write about. 

Also, as the spring break approaches in New York, please keep in mind the stress levels of your teachers.  State testing occurs right after the vacation.  Because of the APPR and CCLS, this is a high stakes time for teachers.  Please help them to work through their stress and anxiety.  Let them know that you, as a school leader, value them as a part of your team. 

Changing Views of the Common Core

I was trolling through Facebook today and when I couldn’t sleep last night I passed over this.  I was not into reading an article about education at 3:30 AM.  While I may be completely into next week after the birth of my baby, last night I wasn’t.

I found this article intriguing.   Here is the link to it.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/03/04/principal-i-was-naive-about-common-core/

It’s one teacher’s view on the common core and how her opinion on it has changed in the past few months.

Enjoy!