House bill would eliminate CRCTs in first and second grade. Hurrah or Hurrumph?
A few weeks ago, I ran into state Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Atlanta) at Kroger and she told me about her bill to end mandatory CRCT testing in the early grades. House Bill 1132 has been introduced and it eliminates mandatory criterion-referenced competency tests in grades one and two.
The bill has the wide support of education groups that question the efficacy and point of high-stakes testing in first and second grades.
“This is in line with recommendations of most national professional organizations that serve young children. And it is also more consistent with national trends. Only one state also tests in grade 1. Six test grade 2 — but some states count a 5-minute reading test in that total,” says early child education professor Caitlin McMunn Dooley of Georgia State University
“The general consensus of professionals in education is that large-scale, standardized tests are inappropriate for children prior to grade 3. This is especially true in Georgia, where the test takes 110-165 minutes per day of testing. This is a very long time for 6-year-olds to sit, much less take a test. The national average of the few states that do have testing at these grade levels (total of six) is more than an hour less than Georgia,” says Dooley.
It should go to committee next week Another bill in play is state Sen. Tommie Williams’ Senate Bill 352, which is a far broader legislation that essentially rewrites testing in Georgia from top to bottom. While the bill has excellent aims, it seems to have too many ambitions and moving parts to pass this session. Perhaps, it will be stripped down to a simpler bill that focuses only on the elimination of the CRCT in the early grades.
Now, the bill states:
To amend Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the “Quality Basic Education Act,” so as to require the State Board of Education to include a growth model as a primary factor in its calculation of adequate yearly growth; to assign annual individual school ratings for each public school in this state for academic performance on designated tests; to establish thresholds for measurement of performance; to provide for criteria for school ratings; to provide for bonuses to schools based on appropriations; to provide for consequences; to provide for transmission of data from the Department of Education; to provide for audit exceptions for failure to timely provide such data; to eliminate criterion-referenced competency tests in grades one and two; to replace the Georgia High School Graduation Test with end-of-course assessments for graduation purposes beginning in the 2010-2011 school year; to revise provisions for purposes of conformity; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Take a look at the bills and let me know what you think. I think it’s a great idea.
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111 comments Add your comment
d2
February 26th, 2010
12:55 pm
It should have been done a long time ago–The state has spent 21,000,000 over the past six years for unnecessary testing. That means tests not required by the NCLB. 1st and 2nd grade will save a little but do we need the Iowa Basic and the CRCT—If we were to eliminate the testing not required by the NCLB that would save the state 21,000,000 a year. Just the last six years we have spent 126,000,000 just think of what that could have done for the Schools. Why stop at 1 and 2nd grades-what is that a savings of–I think I read an estimate of 700,000–what ever it is at least it is a savings–But we need to go further and eliminate the other unnecessary testing.
teacher/parent
February 26th, 2010
12:57 pm
It’s a start. There are other isssues at play as well. This is just a short list off the top of my head.
1) Many of the mandated tests are not standards based, but our curriculum is.
2) There is no accountability for students if they do not pass. There MIGHT be some remediaition (best case scenario) or cram sessions and changing answers on answer sheets (worst case scenario)
3)In high school students are required to take End of Course Tests in some subject areas AND the High School Graduation Tests in five core areas.
Stop the testing madness ESPECIALLY if there is nothing done when students do not ‘meet expectations’ (I’m not even going to use the word pass)
Meme
February 26th, 2010
12:57 pm
Yipee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meme
February 26th, 2010
12:59 pm
The test should only be given in the 3rd, 5th and 8th grades since they are ‘required’ to pass in thoses grades.
Hey, It's Enrico Pallazzo!
February 26th, 2010
1:03 pm
It would be a small victory to eliminate the CRCT for first and second graders. It will be a bigger victory when we realize that standardized testing does not equate to improved learning. When will we let our teachers teach our children? They spend more time prepping for these standardized pre-tests, post-tests, evaluation tests, CRCTs, ITBSs, etc.
If all the teachers have to teach from a script, just hire a professional actor to do the lesson plan, tape it, send it out to all the schools, and eliminate the teachers. Think of the money it would save!
jim d
February 26th, 2010
1:08 pm
two small steps in the right direction
clueless
February 26th, 2010
1:12 pm
Might save some $$$$. Now to get rid of either EOCTs or GHSGTs…
devildawg
February 26th, 2010
1:13 pm
Testing first and second graders is a complete waste of time. Let them stick to classroom learning and testing and they will be fine. The whole scripted lessons thing is what really needs to go. Its ridiculous that teachers are being made into robots, and being made to teach the exact same way. Teachers should have the flexibility to use their individual talents and strategies to teach in the most effective way for them and for their students. If the teachers that are hired aren’t talented enough to do that, and need a script, then don’t hire them. I have a huge problem with marginally qualified people that come from some joke of a college being allowed to teach young people. And whether you all want to believe it or not, there are a lot of less than qualified people in our state’s schools.
devildawg
February 26th, 2010
1:14 pm
Get rid of scripted teaching, teachers shouldn’t be turned into robots.
devildawg
February 26th, 2010
1:14 pm
And if they aren’t good enough teachers to do their own thing and be successful, then don’t hire them in the first place.
what's right for kids???
February 26th, 2010
1:17 pm
I agree that the testing for the little ones is unnecessary. I also think that parents, if they so choose, should be able to opt their children out of testing altogether .
Charles
February 26th, 2010
1:18 pm
The only problem with not testing is some measure of a child’s skill level other than the teacher. With only one persons “evaluation” kids are passed on without an outside status report. We know from earlier studies “see Light’s Retention Scale” that retention is really only effective when it happens in K or 1st grade. Waiting for 3th grade to retain – if needed – is too late. Poor habits or weak skill levels cannot be corrected at this stage. (they can in some cases but rarely are). So as parents we can only rely on one teacher’s opinion about where our child is academically – and I would prefer an outside, unbiased opinion. Teachers opinions are too easily swayed by principals and what parents want to hear. I want something more subjective that will let me know how my child’s level compares to kids in Georgia and the nation. I can’t wait until s/he is in third grade.
Allen
February 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
CRCT is a joke. It does not measure teacher performance. You can’t compare teacher A to teacher B with a quantitative test (or teacher A this year to teacher A next year) without controlling the 3rd variable–the students. And you can’t control that variable–it would mean having teacher A and teacher B teaching the exact same 20-25 kids, or teacher A teaching the exact same 20-25 kids every year
Chiefdawg
February 26th, 2010
1:20 pm
If you got rid of testing adminstrators would have nothing to do. They would have no reason to stay on teachers backs and tell them what to do and how to do it.
Teacher&mom
February 26th, 2010
1:24 pm
Great idea. If I were running for Governor or State School Superintendent, I would jump all over this one. If only we could get back all that $$ flushed down the toilet of standardized testing….
Larry
February 26th, 2010
1:26 pm
If only we could erase the “two,” change it to “eight” and have a perfect score…
Maureen Downey
February 26th, 2010
1:31 pm
Larry, I think there is evidence that can be done.
Maureen
NCLB
February 26th, 2010
1:35 pm
the first sentence in NCLB is the student will come to school ready and prepared to learn. Everyone right then should have went whoa, and 100% on grade level by 2014, have you lost your &*^%#@! mind. The politicians do not seem to be listening to us. Change it and change it now; November can not come soon enough.
Education in America????
February 26th, 2010
1:36 pm
I am a 20+ year teacher and disagree with the entire premise that CRCT’s need to go. I have also been employed in business, construction and the military and of all the areas I have been employed within education is the worst at evaluating their employees!!! Flat out many teachers are worthless at their chosen profession for either lack of caring or lack on necessary skills. Not that all athletic coaches that also teach academic areas are terrible but the vast majority are pretty pitiful. Think back to the coaches/teachers that you personally had…were they among the great teachers you ever had? Leave athletic bias out of the equation because many can be great coaches (which is why they entered the profession) but they truly should not be in an academic classroom.
CRCT’s, GHSGT’s, EOCT’s, SAT’s, ITBS’s…etc. Are needed tools to ensure educators are meeting a very minimal standard. The true shame is when a school system deems itself worthy when a certain percentage attain a passing mark. These tests mostly only test for minimal knowlege rather than for excellence. But at least they offer some measure to see if schools are doing their job!
Education in America????
February 26th, 2010
1:40 pm
Why do school systems simply not hire professional educator evaluators that look at a myriad of teaching skills to determine the retention of teachers? Use test scores but also many other criterea and have the evaluators randomly watch teachers for a minimal of ten times per year. If this were done properly on any given year there should be a minimal of 10-15% of teachers fired each year for incompetence.
Maureen Downey
February 26th, 2010
1:40 pm
Education in America, Does the tool for first and second grade authentication of minimal standards having been met have to be a CRCT? Is there another way – a shorter test, a measure of progress approach done every few months — that could work as well?
Maureen
Ed Johnson
February 26th, 2010
1:43 pm
Yes, but consider House Bill 1100 that includes the carrot “to eliminate criterion-referenced competency tests in grades one and two.”
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/fulltext/hb1100.htm
Why the carrot? To more easily slip in increasing the chances for least needy schools to get extra funding through school grading. “A,” “B,” and “C” schools would get extra money while “D” and “F” schools would get more neglect.
Watch out that HB 1132 isn’t just a manipulative to first drop CRCT in 1st and 2nd grades then later implement school grading.
Sunny Daze
February 26th, 2010
1:43 pm
Good. Dekalb County wont need nearly as many erasers now.
d2
February 26th, 2010
1:47 pm
To Education in America
When you speak of educators you said you spent 20 years as a teacher- ARE you one of those useless teachers you speak of? I am so tired of teaching bashing and public school bashing.
Sick&Tired
February 26th, 2010
1:51 pm
There needs to be some kind of skills test in Math and Reading in the 1 & 2 grade. If you don’t catch problems in earlier grades it will continue to progress into the 3rd grade. I don’t believe it should be depending upon a pass or fail for the opportunity to promote or retain. But, a skills test that can be used to identify the areas that need to be worked on in a structured environment (after-school tutoring, non-school program and/or summer school). There are not enough free or low income after school tutoring programs, with transportation.
I believe wholeheartedly that if a child is successful in grades (1 – 4) they will continue that success in middle school and highschool. If they struggle at that level, it’s almost a lost cause to get them interested in education while in middle school.
FredGT
February 26th, 2010
2:00 pm
Very good. My twin 1st graders and their teachers are stressing out over the April CRCT. They are not prepared at this point for the stress and expectations of this testing. I agree with this starting in 3rd grade, but no way in 1st grade.
Reality
February 26th, 2010
2:00 pm
This is horrible. All grades need to be held accountable. Student will now be allowed to “sleep” through 1 and 2 grades. Then the 3 grade teacher will be blamed because their students do poorly.
What is wrong with accountability?
I am a high school teacher. Before the CRCT we got horribly prepared students from middle school. And, I was blamed when the students failed even though they failed because they never learned the middle school material. At least now, I know that most students have some minimum amount of knowledge walking into my room because of the CRCT.
Reality
February 26th, 2010
2:02 pm
FredGT – Give me a break. If the teacher had been preparing the students all year long, there is no need for anyone to stress. The CRCT has such very basic material, most any child can pass it with just a little tiny bit of effort.
The lesson to learn is that testing is an OPPORTUNITY to shine, not a stressful event.
teacher
February 26th, 2010
2:05 pm
For anyone who thinks that the CRCT is the best way to know what kids in grades 1 and 2 know, think again. The APA, NCTE, IRA, NAEYC, and other organizations specifically say that standardized tests of this sort are unreliable. They take 2-3 hours to administer–to SIX YEAR OLDS. It’s more a test of stamina than knowledge. Suggesting that CRCT is a tool to know what kids know is like suggesting that we use an X-ray to understand heart failure–it doesn’t make sense! It’s a tool alright, but not an appropriate one.
Teachers and district leaders can AND DO use plenty of other tools to understand what kids know. The state does not have to legislate this. It’s about assessment, not accountability.
RJ
February 26th, 2010
2:07 pm
@Education in America????, my experience regarding coaches has been entirely different. Physical Education teachers are required to take several science courses. When I’ve been forced to sit in science workshops they knew more about the body than the science teachers! While PE may not be considered “academic” it is a necessary course. In my schools PE teachers taught PE, not math. All coaches were certified physical education teachers. I had more “useless” math teachers that understood how to work a problem, but couldn’t explain it to a kindergartener. There response was always, “What do you mean you don’t understand, this is easy!”. That’s code for I have no idea how to explain this to you. My daughter has had the same experience recently.
RJ
February 26th, 2010
2:09 pm
Glad to see this test leave. I’ve witnessed 6 year olds crying because they were so scared of not passing; the teacher had stressed them out! Now to end EOCT and GHSGT!
teacher
February 26th, 2010
2:10 pm
Also, for anyone who thinks that a test is a test is a test: Please understand the importance of the age group here.
These are kids who have been alive and on this earth for six years at least, eight at most. This is different from a high-schooler taking a test. Children at these ages are developmentally unequipped to handle stress in the same ways as adults. And they don’t have the same communication skills. So before recommending something that’s good for ALL students, please remember that children develop social, cognitive, and communicative skills over time.
That’s way we don’t make first graders take drivers ed!
d2, please!
February 26th, 2010
2:19 pm
@d2: Teachers lose credibility as professionals when you defend BAD teachers. There are bad people in every profession, including education. Do you not think there are awful teachers? Look around your school, they are there. I hope you do not find one in your mirror!!!!!!!!!
Legend of Len Barker
February 26th, 2010
2:19 pm
For the sake of my former comrades, they need to drop it at the middle school level. Every year of NCLB and CRCT takes off two … of their life expectancies.
I can make you the argument that not only is CRCT not an accurate way of testing, it may be the worst way. Since the school’s academic livelihood depends on student performance on this week of tests and this week alone, it’s terrible. The heck with if a student has his or her best week in February, October, or late April. You better have your best week now, kiddos. We don’t even care if you lost Rover this morning. The state doesn’t measure character or emotion. Just cold, hard facts. And possibly not even the cold, hard facts that your teacher prepped you for. These are the cold, hard facts that a group of GA DOE representatives that likely haven’t seen the inside of a classroom since Pierre Howard was running for governor think you should know. Or drew out of a hat. After seeing questions off the Georgia History exam, I’m inclined to believe it’s the latter.
I’m inclined to believe that the kids are doing worse. We have been taught to be so scared of CRCT – and for good reason – that we are starting test prep in August and not letting up, even during the week of the test. The kids hate it. I hated it. But what else were (and are) we to do? We can’t hope that the kids retained enough from year to year.
It’s not just the kid that’s at stake, it’s the grade at stake, it’s the school at stake, it’s whole county at stake. Regardless of whether you are Echols County, Gordon County, Richmond County, or Laurens County, you’re all the same. Echols has one school. Richmond has dozens. If one of Richmond’s schools fails, it counts just the same as it does in Echols. The whole county fails.
Cherokee
February 26th, 2010
2:21 pm
Hooray! Tommie Williams’ SB 352 and David Casas’ HB 1100 would eliminate these tests too. Plus the high school grad tests.
what's right for kids?
February 26th, 2010
2:35 pm
Reality wrote, “This is horrible. All grades need to be held accountable. Student will now be allowed to “sleep” through 1 and 2 grades. Then the 3 grade teacher will be blamed because their students do poorly.”
How many first and second graders do you know who sleep through school? The little ones love school! They love learning! When you make school a hoop to jump through and a test to pass, they get a bad taste in their mouths. Then they decide that school is not fun, nor is learning. That’s when test scores go down and students do sleep.
Accountability should be in place for teachers, yes, but can’t accountability be utilized and implemented by asking the students what they are learning? Can’t kids learn by playing? Isn’t that how they learn best at this age, anyway? Why is testing a 6 year old who can’t sit still for 2 hours a good idea, anyway?
Just Teach
February 26th, 2010
2:41 pm
Wow! It’s about time. We are testing and wearing these young ones out–not just 1st and 2nd graders, but the other students as well. It has been my contention that these standardized tests are useful for some things, but a total misfit for others. I am not an educator, but I think that most teachers know what is best for their students. It is quite amazing how we look for ways in improving learning, but somehow we end up applying more pressure to learning. I didn’t learn this way in the past; and quite frankly thousands of folks before the “test ‘em scared” era didn’t either. Testing is fine when appropriately applied and measured; short of that, it is just another machine at work that can lead to more controversy.
Sunny Daze
February 26th, 2010
2:47 pm
We have quality teachers with good intentions here in Georgia. Get to know a few and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I was watching the news last night and saw an interview of a couple of New England teachers involved in the well heralded mass firing. They stated students vary from district to district with regards to their motivation, skills and ability to grasp concepts. They happened to be in a district where the scrubs were settled. That may sound harsh but I believe it to be reality. It’s a crying shame when Dekalb county school adminitrators feel they have to resort to changing test scores(allegedly) just to try to compete with other counties and try to retain their jobs. I know many of you “No child left behind” folks will disagree with what I say but ask an experienced teacher who instructs pupils day in and day out and I think they will agree that across the board testing does not work. We may see more of these mass firings in certain school districts but that doesn’t make it right.
Charles
February 26th, 2010
2:56 pm
Let’s be careful before we throw the baby out with the wash. What is there to replace the CRCT so that we are not solely relying on one classroom teacher’s opinion. I’d like to see how my child is compared to others his age across the nation – not just one class.
ABC
February 26th, 2010
3:07 pm
Would this be valid for this year? Our school does CRCT right after spring break in April.
Interested Participant
February 26th, 2010
3:09 pm
Many schools, ourselves included, do Universal Screening of ALL students K-5 for both reading and mathematics. We test all of our students at the beginning of the year, middle of the year and end of the year to identify those students who many be below grade level in these areas. These research-based diagnostic tools take about 5 minutes per child to administer. We get a bunch of staff together because it is administered one-to-one (one staff member to one student), and do the entire 800 student Elem School in 1.5 days or so. So even without the CRCT in grades one and two, we would still be able to identify those kids who were struggling. Kids that are identified at risk by these screeners are placed in our intervention programs for extra help.
td
February 26th, 2010
3:09 pm
There has to be some type of measuring tool in place in the early grades to make sure children have some basic level and ability to do math and read. These are the most important years and if the children can not master these skill sets then their educational experience will suffer for their entire educational experience. These test can be done away with in the 4th, 6th, 7th grades because they are a waste of time, money and educational time or the student. Students who do not meet minimum competency in 3rd, 5th and 8th grade should be held back and not passed on to the next grade.
NA
February 26th, 2010
3:10 pm
@ Reality and Charles—Students are already being ignored in grades 1 and 2. There is a mountain of paperwork involved w/ retaining them and many would rather “let the test catch them” in 3rd grade. The 2nd section of my 1st graders’ CRCT is not reliable. By that point in the test, they are falling out of their chairs, ready to quit. They are no longer reading passages, but just bubbling in to be done.
Sick&Tired
February 26th, 2010
3:11 pm
Charles – you are spot on. A comparison across the state, county and internal classrooms is very important. It also gives us the opportunity to compare what is being covered across the board, because I have seen in many cases where a teacher didn’t cover a topic.
DunMoody
February 26th, 2010
3:15 pm
ITBS is a better indicator of student achievement than the CRCT. Since the latter is an instrument of the Georgia Department of Education, it’s suspect at best, overkill at worst. We need a national standard of comparison across all states, not a “test du jour” as Georgia reinvents the wheel over and over again. (Mad Math, anyone?)
Sick&Tired
February 26th, 2010
3:20 pm
NA – may be the suggestion should be to increase the number of days allowed to take the CRCT and only for a couple of hours a day for 1st & 2nd grade.
I’m way past elemenatry school with my child, but I would have hated to find out in 3rd grade (april) that my childs reads or performs math at a 1 or 2nd grade level.
If not CRCT, there need to be some level of skill test for these kids. I don’t like the idea of depending on the report card grades.
Also, I’m almost 40 and my elementary school tested almost every year. I’m positive I was tested in 1st and 2nd grade. I’m not from Georgia(my dad is) and I have always been disappointed in the way education is administered in this state.
Ned Zeffer
February 26th, 2010
3:23 pm
Legend of Len Barker is correct. I recently retired after 30 years on the front line. NCLB is a farce. The CRCT is a joke. Together they are killing everything in education. And it is ludicrous to evaluate a whole year’s worth of “learning” with these bogus evaluations. Teachers are professionals with professional degrees. It is time we treated them as such and trusted that they can educate our children without help from politicians. We don’t trust politicians to oversee health care reform. So why do we trust them to make rules for education?
Get rid of the CRCT and let teachers teach again.
teacher/parent
February 26th, 2010
3:28 pm
Accountability and testing are NOT synonyms. You can have one without the other. Besides, even the proponenet of 1st and 2nd grade testing suggested that the results not be used to retain but to remediate in non-school programs. You can’t have that kind of disconnect and expect results. Plus you assume that after some remediation the kids are up to speed, not necessarily the case.
The bottom line is UNLESS you are going to retain and remediate until the kids get it, then testing is useless. If we’re testing just for the sake of testing, it is a huge money pit.
jim d
February 26th, 2010
3:37 pm
poppy cock— if you really want to know what a first or second grader knows—simply ask them –their bluntness will be simply entertaining
jim d
February 26th, 2010
3:38 pm
filter
Reality
February 26th, 2010
3:40 pm
what’s right for kids:
Students in any grade, including 1 and 2, have a curriculum to learn. Fine with me if they learn it by playing or whatever because of their age group. The problem is when those students that DON’T learn are passed on to the next grade level. Then, those students become even more lost. Is this FAIR to the students?
There DOES need to be some sort of gate (CRCT if you will) to ensure that the student has learned the curriculum before moving on. It is simply a reality.
And, even in this blog thread, there has already been people that have said things such as “let’s do away with the CRCT in middle school” and “let’s do away with the HSGT”. If we do away with it because of _____ in 1 and 2 grade, there are always excuses to do away with it in other grades.
Also, I STRONGLY feel that these test should not at all be a measure of the teacher. They are measures of student knowledge, period. An individual teacher does not control a parent that abuses their child (mental, physical, etc.), or if the child eats properly, or if the child does their homework, or …… One could be the best teacher in the world and yet have students that don’t learn – there are just too many other variables.
rita
February 26th, 2010
3:47 pm
At some point systems have to stop all this testing and allow teachers to teach. Besides the required state tests local system tests are constantly given to supposely use in teaching children but when does a teacher have time to study the results because they are preparing for the next test, which are beginning to be used more and more for teacher evaluations. Oh yes, I forgot, such constant testing creates and maintaines numeous testing positions that could be used to hire more teachers to teach in a reduced classroom.
Parent of 1st Grader
February 26th, 2010
3:57 pm
I agree that first and second graders should not take the CRCT. My child will be taking the test in April. I am irritated by this because they require so much from these children at such a young age.I believe this pressure to pass this test is to overwhelming for these kids at this age. My child is already worried about passing the test in order to get to the first grade. Taking tests while nervous is never a good thing and very stressful. They should not have to worry about this at this time.
high school teacher
February 26th, 2010
4:10 pm
What a great way to save money! I wish that we could eliminate the EOCT’s as well (there are more of them, so they would save more). Seriously, is there really a need for students to take two sets of standardized tests in any grade level?
Hey, it's Enrico Pallazzo!
February 26th, 2010
4:13 pm
Even if a student fails to pass the CRCT in the 1st or 2nd grade, many parents insist that the student be promoted to the next grade. So those that claim that the CRCT will prevent children from being below grade level are dreaming.
If passage of these tests was required to move up a grade, no exceptions, then we may reduce the number of children who are below grade level. Of course, then we will have 14 year olds still in elementary school, but at least they will be in the correct grade for their academic level.
matt
February 26th, 2010
4:14 pm
Without CRT testing you would not be able to determine students being eligible for gifted programs. That will just cause more parents to pull kids out of public schools for private schools. This is a bad idea in a state with such historically mediocre schools.
me
February 26th, 2010
4:16 pm
Get rid of the tests and get rid of tenure. Put in a real method to evaluate teachers and administrators based on several relevant criteria that does not include these idiotic tests.Then you might see some improvement.
Mac
February 26th, 2010
4:17 pm
matt — CRCT is not used to evaluate for Gifted. ITBS and another that escapes my memory at the moment are used to place kids in Gifted.
Mac
February 26th, 2010
4:19 pm
In compliance with Georgia Department of Education Rule 160-4-2.38, evaluation data for all students referred is gathered in four areas, Mental Ability, Achievement, Creativity, and Motivation. To ensure equal access to gifted education services, evaluation measures for all students* are as follows:
Mental Ability – Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Achievement – Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS, grades K-8)
Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED, grades 9-12)
Creativity – Group Inventory for Finding creative Talent (GIFT, grades K – 3,)
Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT, grades 4-12)
Motivation - Hawthorne Gifted Evaluation Scale (GES-2, grades K-3)
Children’s Academic Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (CAIMI, grades 4-5)
Grade Point Average (GPA, >Top 10%, grades 6-12)
decaturparent
February 26th, 2010
4:30 pm
Maureen, re your 1:40 post – you know the answer to this… why don’t you do a blog about it…..????
NWEA MAP testing is the answer to all of these woes. It takes only about 40 minutes … it compares kids and the school district to a national norm rather than just GA. It’s taken on a computer so there’s no chance to “erase” answers. It’s taken three times a year so progress can be measured and acted upon while a teacher still has the kids in his/her class rather than in the summer after school has let out. The entire nature of it is far lower pressure than the CRCT.
It follows the child and measures their growth over the year rather than comparing one group of kids one year to an entirely different group of kids the next year. Growth targets can be set for high achievers as well as the lowest of the low achievers… and EVERYONE is expected to grow, regardless of how well or poorly they are performing at the beginning of the school year.
It’s so easy… if folks would just take a look at this – it would be world’s better than the ridiculous CRCT. We use it and.. it’s not perfect all the time, but it’s world’s better than the CRCT.
anonymous12
February 26th, 2010
4:31 pm
Matt- gifted students are determined by ITBS test scores not the CRCT.
decaturparent
February 26th, 2010
4:32 pm
Matt, the CRCT is not used for gifted testing….. nor should it ever be used. It is too low quality of a test.
decaturparent
February 26th, 2010
4:32 pm
Maureen, my post is stuck in your filter.. pls get it. Thanks!
Hank Harris
February 26th, 2010
4:34 pm
Maureen,
You dropped the ball on this one. There is already a bill that is doing that. It is SB352 and was heard in committee a few weeks ago.
Hank
anonymous12
February 26th, 2010
4:36 pm
I am a teacher and I do agree that for 1st and 2nd grade there does need to be a way to measure student’s progress/achievement but the CRCT is not an accurate way to do this. It is unreasonable to expect 6-8 year olds to sit still and be quite for over 3 hours. Many of these children cannot sit still for more than 10 minutes.
Maureen Downey
February 26th, 2010
5:00 pm
Hank, SB 352 is a far broader bill that does include the elimination of CRCTs in early grades. It seems to predicate the elimination of the CRCTs on some of these other elements, which don’t seem likely this session as they are fairly complex. It seems to me to be simpler to start with a single-focus bill than one with this many ambitions and moving parts.
But you make a good point so I have added the information about Sen. Williams’ SB 352 to the blog entry.
1st grade teacher
February 26th, 2010
5:03 pm
I hate the length of the CRCT and some of the ridiculous questions; however, you cannot wait until third grade to expose students to standardized testing. You also can not wait until third grade to teach test taking skills. Waiting would gaurantee an increased failure rate at the third grade level. Like it or not some type of standardized testing is needed. The CRCT may not be the best one, but at least it is some measure and practice for the students. It’s better than absolutely nothing.
RJ
February 26th, 2010
5:42 pm
@Mac, the gifted test uses the Stanford Achievement Test.
RJ
February 26th, 2010
5:47 pm
Okay, that didn’t sound right. Let me try again… The Stanford 9 is used to test students for the gifted program. Students must score in the 99th percentile. ITBS scores are also used. CRCT is not an indicator of giftedness. Georgia State’s Saturday School for Scholars doesn’t even list the CRCT as an acceptable test for entrance into that program.
RJ
February 26th, 2010
5:51 pm
One more thing, I get sooo sick of people saying that our schools are so inferior. First, not all schools are equal. There are some outstanding public schools in this state. I also doubt this supposed ranking we have as 48th in the country. I’ve taught kids from many other states and I can tell you that I’ve yet to meet a student eons ahead of everyone else.
catlady
February 26th, 2010
5:52 pm
I am the first to say I hate the CRCTs. I don’t think they are valid in any way. HOWEVER, we need some measure to show that kids aren’t achieving what they are being taught. We have too many parents who “didn’t know” their child was behind when they hit 3rd grade.
On a practical note, the CRCT results are used to identify who need additional help.
BehindEnemyLines
February 26th, 2010
5:54 pm
Oh yes, let’s eliminate the tests. That way we can just social promote ‘em & pretend there’s actually competent work being done instead of having the failures illustrated as soon as possible. That’ll make everyone feel better I’m sure and be quickly trumpeted as schools having failed fewer tests.
catlady
February 26th, 2010
5:56 pm
RJ–maybe the brightest kids don’t move much! Stability is an important part of achievement.
catlady
February 26th, 2010
5:58 pm
Behind: we promote them anyway, no matter how poor their scores, no matter how low their grades (even with our generous, ever-forgiving grading system)
Nona
February 26th, 2010
5:59 pm
I’d be interested to know if anybody has any anecdotal evidence noting that their child’s education has improved since the CRCT and NCLB were implemented. Millions and millions of children are out there. Has anyone heard a single story of parents and/or public saying, “Wow! Our kids are learning so much more and getting a significantly better education now that CRCTs and NCLB were put into place!”
Didn’t think so.
Actually, it seems to me that kids learned more and were getting better educations when there was just an achievement test every year. And by the way, tons and tons of research validate that observation. I’ve been trying for months to find a single study that shows standardized tests improve learning and haven’t found one. There are, however, tons of studies that show these tests don’t improve learning. There are also tons of studies showing how to raise test scores, even if the tests don’t improve learning. What, exactly, is the point of THAT?
I’m all for teacher accountability. But the first priority is student learning, not teacher accountability. If a student is learning, the teacher is doing his job. But CRCTs and the other high stakes tests do NOT improve learning. They are more akin to a standardized witch hunt for “bad” teachers than an honest inquiry into whether students have learned anything beyond isolated, context-free facts.
SE GA Teacher
February 26th, 2010
6:06 pm
As the teacher of some of the brightest, most precocious second graders you could ever find, I am finding myself worrying if my students will exceed on the CRCT. Hey, it’s not just passing anymore. If you are not EIP, you better exceed. One of the reasons the first and second CRCT are ridiculous tests is that they are read to the students, with the exception being the reading passages in second grade. The brighter students are bored that they have to wait for everyone to answer the easy questions, and the lower students feel they need to hurry to catch up with everyone else.
I have taught since 1979 and have seen the CRT come and go in the early 1990’s, and I hope before I retire at the end of this year, I see the CRCT go far, far away. What a joke of a test. Has anyone talked about the percent needed to pass? Another joke.
I love teaching and have had an unbelievable experience, but I just hate what is happening to education today.
BW
February 26th, 2010
6:14 pm
Our educational woes go much deeper than the CRCT or any other testing. Our apathetic society has become a major issue. As an educator for 29 years,I am deeply concerned about the publics attitude toward education. Educators are becoming a scapegoat for the problems of our society and there has to be a fundamental change in order for these woes to be solved. Educational reform is just as important as health care!
I do not mind accountability, but hold me accountable for the issues that I can control.
T squared
February 26th, 2010
6:42 pm
I totally support this bill. Students in 1st and/or 2nd grade do not have the mental stamina to actually portray thier knowledge. Also, the state curriculm is not aligned with the testing. I am a teacher and am tired of being held accountable for “raising” the majority of my students. Here’s an idea…actually hold the parents accountable. Teachers can’t teach the material or remediate as necessary due to having to cover so much content in a relatively short amount of time.
In addition, most people influencing the legislation have never been in a classroom, other than a photo opportunity.
People that think that terminating the CRCT would promote students that are not competent; however, that is exactly what is taking place currently. Also, the CRCT is a minimum of expectations.
Children need a chance to be children and schools have a great opportunity to build their education and love of learning in a fun way that will build memories and impact their lives in a positive manner. Remember, CRCT was not mandated when my generation was being educated yet produced better results.
T squared
February 26th, 2010
6:43 pm
BW: So true!
SE GA Teacher
February 26th, 2010
7:12 pm
Why are you ignoring my comments from an hour ago?
SE GA Teacher
February 26th, 2010
7:17 pm
Oh, I figured this one out on my own. The AJC found out I’m a Republican!!! Horrors!!!!
catlady
February 26th, 2010
7:28 pm
What about standards based report cards?
Rev. Mrs. Vidalia Toombs
February 26th, 2010
7:48 pm
Celebration: You would be much more powerful if you wouldn’t allow your personalities to argue among themselves. But, you volume does amaze (truly) me. Keep up the good work! Your friend, Vidie
anonymous12
February 26th, 2010
8:20 pm
catlady- It is extremely hard to get a child held back in school. Even if the child is far below grade level and the teacher has a lot of documentation the parents can still refuse to have their child held back. This happens a lot. Lawmakers have made it extremely difficult for teachers to get help for students who really need it.
anonymous12
February 26th, 2010
8:23 pm
RJ- In Georgia I think it depends on what school district you are in. I grew up in Cobb County and I was surprised when I found out that GA was ranked so low in education. Then I went to college and met people from other parts of the state and realized why we are so low.
teachparent
February 26th, 2010
9:32 pm
Students in Dekalb are given Benchmark tests at the beginning and end of every unit in Language Arts and Math. These units incoporate the standards to be taught. Charles, if you want to know exactly where your child is succeeding or having difficulties, you can look at these tests item by item. These are not subjective tests so the teacher has no influence.
The CRCT is a horrible indicator of a child’s functioning. Parents, check out this test carefully before supporting it.
thankateacher
February 26th, 2010
10:24 pm
Can we just get rid of the CRCT in all grades and find a better way to measure student achievement? My district uses way too many benchmark tests and the students are sick of them. It is becoming difficult to get fired up about teaching these days. Cathy Cox, are you listening to those that matter, parents and teachers (as well as the children)?
By the way, look at how much money goes to overpaid Central Office employees. Sickening.
SE GA Teacher
February 26th, 2010
10:54 pm
Wow! My comments were allowed after a long interval. Thanks! Standards based report cards are not liked by any of the parents in our district, but the teachers are supposed to promote them. Why?? They really don’t make sense, and the teachers agree with the parents. It’s like whole language…parents and most teachers don’t like it, but somehow it slipped in the system.
BW
February 26th, 2010
11:08 pm
Senate Bill 352 has a key element…individual growth model and most importantly, common sense! That is measuring each child’s academic growth from August to May each year. This cookie cutter approach and expecting certain subgroups (NCLB) to keep up with other students is not working and won’t work! Having all students on grade level and passing the CRCT by 2014 is like expecting all realtors to sale all their vacant houses in the ATL area by 2014.
For the children
February 26th, 2010
11:21 pm
We should not be satisfied with education in Georgia until 110% of the students are above the national average in math.
ScienceTeacher671
February 26th, 2010
11:24 pm
How much will it cost to revise the tests to produce the individual growth model as required by SB 352/ HB1100?
Interesting
February 26th, 2010
11:34 pm
Having gone through school without high stakes testing, I developed a passion for learning. If I have one complaint about the CRCT/standardized test focus is that it removes the passion from students for learning. Teachers can be held accountable for instruction if the appropriate monitoring takes place within the school. Administrators can monitor and evaluate their classroom instruction, the grades of students, and even benchmark exams of their students (as most districts administer these). Rather than this endless finger pointing that is occuring, we need to look beyond the walls of our state and look at our nation as a whole. We do not value nor respect education in the manner it was 25+ years ago. Back then, we were not given the option to fail. We learned our history, culture, and work ethic first from home, then from school. We went to school prepared. We did not expect our teachers to supply us with materials. Were there some bad teachers then, of course, but there was not this complete bashing of teachers that is occuring now. Our children are growing up with a sense of entitlement to everything, that the adults are helping to feed. We need more adults involved in the school system. Our county has the biggest heart for helping the needy in other parts of the world, but we do not place that same energy into our own backyard. What is happening in schools is a by product of the breakdown of communites and families. Rather than bashing teachers and public education, volunteer your time in a school or mentor/tutor a child. Better than that, mentor an adult with children who you see could use the help.
Free Market Educator
February 27th, 2010
12:04 am
I say let the customers (parents) drive the testing. Drop the CRCT; it is redundant to the classroom testing done by the teacher and is a waste of tax payer’s money. Offer a nationally normed test (ITBS) only at the request of the parent. Their child’s progress is their responsibility. They should monitor weekly grades and help with homework. Then it would be obvious if their child needed a tutor. Use money saved from testing to attract/retain quality teachers that parents trust. If enough parents lodge legitimate complaints against a teacher, they should be fired. But, I’m living in a dream world. The only real solution is to repeal the compulsory school law and start over.
Seen it all
February 27th, 2010
3:54 am
I am ALL for eliminating the CRCT in grades 1 and 2. I have NO problem with assessing the students to determine their abilities in reading, English, and math. In fact, as some other posters have said, it does give both teachers, parents, and administration an indicator as to which students are above average and those that need extra assistance.
The problem with the CRCT for grades 1 and 2 is that the tests are IDENTICAL in length to those give to students in the middle school. Seventy problems for each reading, English/Language Arts, and math test are way too much. Two hours being forced to sit testing is way too long. In some schools those children can’t even leave to go to the bathroom until after the ending of the testing. We are talking about testing from 8:15ish in the morning until 11:00. This is too much for even middle school. We are talking about 6 year olds here.
If the CRCT was differentiated in length and time by grade level, the argument for me would be different. As my name implies, I have seen a lot. I have taught grades 1-8, in different capacities. I remember administering the ITBS and COGAT to a group of first graders over a 8 DAY PERIOD. Grueling to say the least.
Seen it all
February 27th, 2010
4:28 am
Hey, I lost a comment!!!
v racer
February 27th, 2010
6:04 am
Trust teachers to teach? Where have you been? Too many can’t or won’t do the job. If not standardized tests, then what measurement. inflated grades? Train the kids to take stress, our country will be better off for it.
Parent of Gifted Students
February 27th, 2010
8:39 am
Yes!!! drop the CRCT’s in 1/2nd grades! Drop the CRCT’s in 4 and 6th grades as well since no one pays any attention to these. And since no one is ever retained, why not drop the entire mess! Let’s measure students on a pre-post test format to show mastery of skills from that year. As a parent of three gifted students, the CRCT’s has never told me one thing about how my child is doing. Nor has their report cards. But, a conversation with a teacher, now that is priceless! Why are we so eager to discredit our professional educators and their ability to assess a student?
Just Wondering
February 27th, 2010
9:02 am
Since the Asians and Europeans are out performing our kids, why don’t we return to that style of teaching (and I do mean return). Our schools were changed over 100 years ago and progressed to turning students into good citizens rather than individual thinking intelligent individuals. We should learn from our friends across the oceans on how to educate our kids. Hold them and the parents accountable. If the kids aren’t prepared, they don’t pass. Not everyone is college material. Not everyone is cut out to be corporate management. Not everyone has those desires either. We should teach to the ability of the child, not the requirement of standardized tests. We are unique individuals and not all are headed in the same direction. Not everyone wants to learn either. There are those out there who prefer to live off the hard work of others and take the easy way out.
ScienceTeacher671
February 27th, 2010
9:24 am
We have standardized testing because children were graduating without basic skills.
Of course, now that we have standardized testing, we’re still graduating children even though they don’t have basic skills, and the CRCT is labeling children we know don’t have basic skills as “proficient”.
FulCoTeach
February 27th, 2010
11:55 am
ST671, You are correct; systems were then given the option of NOT administering nationally normed test (ITBS or Stanford) until 10th grade (PSAT), perhaps to hide the fact that CRCT is fatally flawed as an assessment of academic achievement?
And AMEN to the call to eliminate the GHSGTs!!! It’s already in HB1187 -get our state school board to set the schedule by that provision – an accelerated schedule, since the EOCTs are now firmly established!
103-15 (i)(1) The high school graduation test provided for in
103-16 subsection (a) of this Code section shall continue in
103-17 effect until all high school core subject end-of-course
103-18 assessments have been developed and implemented, at
103-19 which time the state board shall discontinue the test
103-20 according to a schedule to be determined by the state
103-21 board.
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/1999_00/fulltext/hb1187.htm
Second Generation Teacher
February 27th, 2010
2:54 pm
Not sure if I can post an image. This is an image my son drew in first grade (last year). He suffered horrible anxiety about the CRCT. The note is from his grandmother (a retired teacher) to me, a 20 year teacher.
J was drawing a picture of a frog and he had a sad mouth. I asked him why? He said that the frog had put the wrong answer on his test. I asked him if he could draw it for me. He drew a piece of paper by the frog’s hand and put A, B, C, and drew circles next to the letters. Above it he wrote,”What is this animal?” He said the answer is “A”, but the frog bubbled in B.
J is in first grade and what does that tell you is being emphasized in his grade? Maybe standardized testing? I didn’t even know what a test was when I was in first grade…or the word “bubble.” It just described gum.
ScienceTeacher671
February 27th, 2010
3:17 pm
My inner conspiracy theorist still wonders who is profiting from all these state tests, and if they are related to someone in state government.
Happy Teacher
February 27th, 2010
3:43 pm
Fascinating, albeit brief, look at what makes a great teacher for this generation of scholars:
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/secrets-americas-greatest-teachers-9961455
It Amazes Me
February 27th, 2010
5:04 pm
The lack of common sense is what has doomed education in America: scripted curriculums, politically correct textbooks, kumbaya classroom management requirements, constant testing, NCLB, micromanaging administrators, etc, etc.
Parent to 3
March 2nd, 2010
7:55 am
I’ve read the vast majority of the prior comments and would just like to add that I am totally behind ditching the CRCT for grades 1 and 2 (and possibly 4 and 6). I agree with previous posters that the CRCT test in those grades serves no purpose; no one is retained and the “pass”/”proficiency” cut-off is so ridiculously low (i.e., 41% correct… come on!!!) that involved parents are hip to the fact that the test is bogus and costly.
That said, the reduction in learning time is probably the most costly as the “teach to the test” period continues. My 2nd grader brought home her 3rd CRCT test prep package yesterday. It was so stupid (I really can’t think of another word to encapsulate how dumb the questions were) that I told her to not even bother filling it out. After all, we have standards based grading and homework doesn’t count. (The county opened that can of worms, not I.) Anyway, as she was putting it back in her notebook, I noticed one question that gave me hope. It actually asked for her to solve $10 minus $3.79. I was encouraged… until I noticed that not only were 2 of the three answers totally improbable, but that the prep guide had also illustrated the correct answer in dollars and cents just in case the kid didn’t feel like doing a subtraction problem.
If we LOWER the bar, the kids will meet that. Sheesh!
d2
March 2nd, 2010
1:56 pm
To @d2 who made the comment about looking in the mirror. I am proud of who I am, so quit bashing teachers. Oh I am not a teacher but I support them 100%. So before you begin bashing teachers or talking how slack they will be if they eliminate the CRCT, thank them for the abilities they have enhanced in your life. Teaching is a noble profession. To those who think the CRCT is easy look at it in the eyes of a first grader. I dare any average person to pass the 8th grade CRCT or the History EOCT test. The CRCT is out to trick what you know and now what you know. The passing rate is low, because the test is difficult. Teachers are given standards called the GPS. They are required to teach them whether they have a CRCT or not. The sad thing it the Standards change everytime there is a new Governor and Education chief. The books change to as well as the alignment. Testing 1 and 2 graders is the dumbest thing I have heard of—well besides Kathy Cox.
Teaching for Tomorrow
March 8th, 2010
5:47 pm
This is great! I taught first grade for 7 years and I, now, have a daughter in first grade and I have always wondered why our first graders are being tested. These children are not ready for such testing. I remember a couple of years when I had children who refused to take the test or try their best. They would fall asleep during testing and I would have to continuously wake them and I had some who thought it was a game of who could make the prettiest designs with the bubbles on their tests. They were explained how to bubble, but they made a choice to not do what was asked of them.This is not only true in first grade, but I have taught grades 4-6, as well, and they have been caught doing EXACTLY the same thing. It is frustrating, as a teacher, to be blamed for the test scores of children who are so young and do not understand the meaning of the test results and those who are old enough to understand, but could care less. Something has to be done, because this type of testing has become a joke to many students. I am glad that the state of Georgia is taking a step in the right direction!
We should trust teachers to teach, but the problem is that many can’t because we have students who are only there because they are made to be there. So since they are miserable, they are going to make everyone around them miserable. This costs students a chance to learn and teachers a chance to teach. I can not teach when a child is standing up in his desk screaming “NOOOOO, I wont sit down!” I have seen one teacher go through this during this school year. He is sent to the office, but nothing is done. Nobody has the backbone to put him out so that the class can move on. He does this everyday and no one cares until the class CRCT scores come back and the children have failed. It is not the teacher’s fault! She could not teach and no one cared, until NOW! When are we going to make parents and students accountable. Teachers are held accountable, but when will students and parents be held to the same standards. If the student does not care, then how can I care, as a teacher. If a parent does not care and thinks that it is all the teacher’s job, then there will definately be a problem in the end.
anonymous12
March 11th, 2010
7:51 pm
RE: Teaching for Tomorrow
I totally agree with you! Students and parents need to be held accountable, too. One of the reason Japan’s education system is so much higher than ours is that they teach to the students who WANT to learn. They don’t waste time with behavior issues and students who refuse to do anything.
Chloe
April 4th, 2010
5:42 pm
I do not think this is a good idea. Because how will we know that vour kids have leared all they need to know for 3rd grade. Why can’t all students just test online is better and most kids would love that. that will also get them a little more excited about testing.
Teachasa2ndCareer
May 5th, 2010
11:02 pm
Before standardized testing, teachers still knew what their students were ready for. I do like the standards because it gives me a foundation and then it is up to me to move beyond that foundation as well. Teachers still assessed the students without this test. Take “us” (i.e. early 40s & up) for example are performing and enjoying success in our careers and did not have to take these type of tests until the famous ACT or SAT before college. Why is it that students I feel are more likely to drop out now then in the 80s? I loved school and my no nonsense, non-graduated high school parents didn’t take no stuff. There was not even an ounce of doubt that we would attend and graduate from high school. All 5 of us did and 3 completed college. Parents, take your stand with your children because I did before I became a teacher, I do now that I am a teacher, and I will continue to do so. There are no excuses.
wanda
May 17th, 2010
6:30 pm
I dread the CRCT. My children do very well in school. I don’t understand why they have to pass this standardized test to pass to the next grade. So you telling me, you get all A’s throughtout the entire school year and not pass the CRCT by one point. YOU CAN NOT PASS GO!!!!! This CRCT thing sucks. It should be eliminated. Test the teachers>> see if they pass it>>