Simple way to empower students to cause havoc on schools:

[The Straight Story]

Modesto high schools need higher scores to avoid sanctions

MODESTO, CA - Modesto teachers are reeling after getting word that 300 of them will receive preliminary layoff notices. But that's not the only problem they face.

The school board for Modesto City Schools voted on the pink slips in an effort to close a $25 million shortfall.

Now high school teachers are being warned to raise student test scores or the district or schools could face sanctions that may include being taken over by the state.

"There are no more excuses about we need parent support or a certain type of student to raise scores," said Downey High School English teacher Leo Aguilera. "It is really the responsibility of the teachers now."

Aguilera on Tuesday helped his students memorize poems known as world classics. He said they have to demonstrate recitation skills on the upcoming state tests.

http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=76432&catid=2

Don't like your teachers, principal, etc? Purposely get with others and do poorly on tests.

You can lead a student to a test, but you cannot make them pass. Back in the day the student is the one who bore the brunt of failing a test, now the blame is on teachers - which empowers students to cause havoc if they so wish.

[obxhead]

1. For some reason this reminds me of a test in HS I was

forced to take in the 11th grade. The ASVAB.

The teacher explained that the test could not or would not in any way effect my grade for the semester or the year. The light bulb went off, no effect on my grade? Ok, that 5 hour test was done in less than 3 minutes. I just filled in random bubbles as quickly as I could and off to a good book I went sitting at the back of the class comfortably.

The really funny part was 2 weeks later when I had every military recruiter beating my door down to get me to enlist. Apparently I had scored highly and was qualified to get into any military field I desired. What was even funnier was when I explained to these recruiters my method for taking their test, that it was a completely bogus score, they all replied exactly the same. It doesn't matter, we have your test score, you're good. This was back in the Clinton admin as well, so recruitment shortfalls didn't quite explain their zeal to get me to sign.

I wonder how many of these test that determine funding etc for the school system are taken with the same method I used for that particular test. I know a few other students followed my lead. Hell, even the good nose to the book students didn't study or prepare in any special way like they typically would for a big long involved test like this one was.

One has to wonder how effective the testing is, especially if the student finds out it will not effect their grade or placement later in life.