Next year, the entire state of Louisiana will be fully executing the COMPASS system, which tracks teacher progress and rates teachers based on student’s performance scores and principal evaluations. This system has already been the target of controversy, and it’s easy to see why.
Teachers will now be subject to a rubric that requires they set and meet goals for the year. This is not my problem, as I do feel that teacher accountability is important. Feedback from principals is also necessary for teacher growth.
What I don’t understand is the need for teachers to be informed of parent’s income information as well as free/reduced lunch price status. While, yes, underprivileged children do face additional issues in the home and subsequently in school, I find this to be highly discriminatory.
To clarify, I do not feel that teachers are discriminating. I feel that the system put in place by the state sets lower goals for low-income children unnecessairly. I know that my child’s income status will affect grants and programs that the school will recieve — I have no problem with that. I have a problem with setting educational goals based upon this information.
These numbers, based upon a combination of previous grades, test scores, income information, and other information influence the expected outcome of children. While I do understand this helps to protect teachers who may have failing students, I can’t help but feel that my own child’s education may be compromised.
To explain, I was a single mother in college when my child began Kindergarten. I recently graduated, but while I was a student my child received free lunch. We were not rich, we lived on a tight budget, but my child received plenty of educational support in our home. I do not want his goals to be lowered simply because I, in the past, received free lunch for him. We are a hard-working family and his goals should be the same as any other student.
These numbers, however, help teachers set their goals for the year. Goals that could later affect salary, tenure, and job security.
Now, teachers are held accountable for the Core Curriculum, the information for LEAP and standardized testing, AND these goals they set for the year. If that seems a bit confusing, it is. Teachers will also be required to make decisions based upon tests from last year – which may not be the same as the test this year. The state has promised to make tests more parallel to each other, but we are still waiting.
I firmly believe in keeping it simple. Ascension parish schools work, as demonstrated by the awards ceremony yesterday afternoon. In areas where the schools are working, teachers are excelling, and students are learning, why are we subjecting the system to new scrutiny? Why are we singling out students for things they have no control over like free lunch?
This is my child’s education, and I am very passionate about it, as I am sure several other local parents are. Goal setting is important, yes, but let’s base these goals on specific benchmarks. Instead of judging financial need, let’s gather a database that shows a student’s mastery.
For example, if my student takes a standardized test – his new teacher could be given a breakdown of problem areas. If my child struggled in, say, math – and specifically in equations – the teacher would know to work with the child on that subject.
Instead, I feel like teachers are being bogged down with more paperwork and stress without cause. But that may be just me, what do you think, Ascension?
Loading ...
I think they need to find a way to keep the teachers accountable, but make our children's education the focus. I find that kids who need help are being overlooked in order to keep test scores high. With a little help there are kids who would get better grades if they were given a little extra help. I know they have a lot to do but the primary concern should be that kids are learning what they need to know.
Omgosh…where would I begin. I could write a book on this subject. I'll try to be short and somewhat stay on the subject at hand but it will be hard. I just attended my son's IEP (individualized education plan) yesterday at ST Amant High School. He's had an IEP since he was 3 years old. So he's always had a goal bc it's on the IEP. However in our IEP meeting we talked about how disruptive other students are in his classroom and how this could be a factor in his learning. The teacher was very much aware of this as well. The point I'm trying to make is personal contact with your children's teacher is important. Even with my daughter that didn't have an IEP I always attended open house or any function that was open to parents. I want the teachers to know that I was involved in my kids education and life. An I can tell you that no matter what any paper has recorded on it about income or free lunch teachers will make a judgement according to how a parent reacts or is involved in there children's education. Just yesterday I had a teacher tell me, " you don't now how much it means to us to have a parent involved, we spend a lot of time on this paperwork and a lot of parents just come in an sign on the line". This is my son's education how could I just sign without asking questions or reading the information! So I ask parents how can you just send your kids to school and NEVER show up for open house or email your children's teacher? If you want the best for you children and their education you better stay involved. Once upon a time I made a call to the school board office and asked why didn't we have any programs for extra help for reading at Galvez Primary. I was told that the programs were in Donaldsonville that these kids need someone to read to them because they don't do get that at home. I couldn't see straight after that comment. I was blown away. Because my son was in need of some extra help in reading but because I read to him at home he would be okay! What kind of thinking is that? Really just stay involved it's the only answer to your question.
Thank you Jesus!