This is a rant. I can’t help myself.
I’m pretty good about keeping my homeschool opinions to myself.
I’m a firm believer that people need to make decisions based on what’s best for their familes, and what works for one family may not work for the other. I don’t judge people for sending their kids to private or public school, and I have this radical expecation that people not judge me for keeping my kids home.
I also know that homeschooling may not always be the right choice for our family. I think each year deserves a fresh outlook and evaluation. There are obvious deal breakers, like me having to go back to work, or something like that, but we’re closing in on the end of our third year, and I’m positive we’re continuing with it next year.
As a homeschool parent, you go through tons of emotions about whether or not you’re making the right choices for your children. Even though I choose to homeschool my children, I still worry about that choice sometimes. Many of the same reasons people don’t homeschool are probably some of the insecurities I carry as a homeschooling parent. But, just when I wonder if I’m making the right choices, Florida never ceases to impress me with their failing educational system.
Why isn’t education ever about the students? Why isn’t it ever about the teachers? The two parties that should be the ones who benefit from the system the most, don’t benefit at all! Teachers are underpaid, students are overlooked, and obviously the standardized testing system here is flawed!
Not only did the most recent FCAT scores show that only 27 percent of fourth graders had proficient scores on the writing portion of the state’s test, it also showed that 50 percent of ninth and tenth graders failed the reading portion of the test. Now, one might say, “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe how low those scores are!” But, in an attempt to look at things objectively, I don’t think that these scores are true reflections on the education (or lack thereof) that our students are receiving. I also know that the test is harder this year than years passed. It’s the new and improved FCAT 2.0. Hmmm? I wonder if making the test harder has anything to do with the new merit pay system for teachers? Just a hunch, but I’m pretty certain the change in the test has absolutely nothing to do with our students!
The testing system here is pure politics! Nothing more. Well, I take that back. It’s also a pretty damn good fundraiser.
I believe that standardized testing is an important tool needed to evaluate a student’s ability. Tests are not only a tool to monitor academic ability, but a skill students need in life to prepare for college. But, in order to measure a student’s true academic ability, you give them a test to see what they know. You don’t teach to the test all year long, and put pressure on the teachers and students to score high in the hopes of raising funds for your school. I do not believe in teaching to the test! I just don’t think that teaching a student how to take one specific test can measure their true strengths and weaknesses. It’s a flawed system. Period.
So, Florida is making headlines again with their most recent solution to the educational problems here. Are you ready for this? The solution to failing test scores? Lowering the standards.
Bravo. Great idea. Not.
How about this, Florida? Quit teaching to the test! Measure a student’s individual ability by these crazy things called grades. Ya know? If a student has mastered something they get an “A”, if they still need practice in that area they get a “C”, and if they really need some help or tutoring they’ll get a “D” or maybe even an “F”.
Here’s the thing.
When my child doesn’t understand something or master a skill in a particular subject area, we do this crazy thing. We keep working at it! I seriously could NOT imagine grading my child, giving him a “C” or a “D”, and then moving on to the next chapter. But, that’s what these kids are able to do at public school.
Students are pushed through to the next grade with moderate to poor understanding of a subject or skill, but Hey! They know how to take that FCAT.
It’s no wonder the reading and writing portion scores are so low! Most kids do not even learn the simple skill of handwriting at public school. I’m not talking about writing skills, I’m talking about letter formation. My son did not learn this in public school. WTH? Because, of the lack of practice he received in letter formation, he struggled with writing. GO figure?!
Sigh…
So, thank you Florida for giving me the peace I needed today. I think I’ll keep homeschooling.
My kids’ worst day home is better than their best day at one of your schools!
(I’m getting down now. Soapbox over.)
Thanks to Shell, for allowing me to vent!
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We have decided to homeschool our children after my daughter spent the last 3 years in the public school system and we have seen how it’s not that great. We are hoping that we can give her a better education and teach her about the real world instead of just through textbooks.
Jessica recently posted..How The Wild Child Celebrates 3
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Unfortunately, it’s not that great. I hope your HS journey is a positive one!
Adrienne recently posted..Why Homeschool?
I think it’s such a tough call. I believe there are good schools and teachers out there, and I really hope I can find one of those options for our kids (that I can afford!) I am not sure I have the patience to homeschool, but I also have some serious concerns about the education system
angela recently posted..I’m a Click Away
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It is a tough call! I am by no means suggesting that HS is THE solution. (I know you know that.) But, something’s gotta give here. Our kids are suffering. I hope you find the schooling that works for your kiddos!
Adrienne recently posted..Why Homeschool?
Standardized testing makes my blood boil.
In NC, I had some of my students score a level III(IV is the highest, III means on grade level, II means below, I means you pretty much didn’t answer a question)… but anyway- they scored IIIs even though they scored in the 5th percentile. Um, what? They only did better than 5% of the kids who took the tests and they were still proficient??? AND if they could get that III, they’d be moved to the next grade even if they didn’t pass ANY of their classes for the year… mostly b/c it’s harder to show growth on the test the following year, so they get moved along.
OMG. I could rant about standardized testing and teaching to the test forever.
Slight tangent there.
I know that you make the best choice for your boys!
Shell recently posted..Pour Your Heart Out: You Must Be a Runner
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Yes! This is exactly what I’m talking about! It’s making me so mad today! You wonder why there are SO many elementary schools and not very many high schools. These kids are not getting the fundamentals they need to make it in high school and college. it’s ridiculous!!
Adrienne recently posted..Why Homeschool?
Ahh…teaching to the test…a practice done here all the time that makes me crazy! I have done a few rants on the ISATs my kids take over here. When I was teaching, I had to keep cutting things out of our day because so much of it was spent on the damn ISATs. No more creative writing, no more spelling instruction…it’s another reason I am probably not going to go back to teaching. I don’t think I can do it. I’d want to do more than focus on standardized testing. I have been less than thrilled with our schools, can’t afford private ones and don’t have the discipline needed to homeschool. You keep doing what you’re doing! Your boys are better off for it!
AnnMarie recently posted..Would Meds Help?
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Thanks, girl! Believe me. I need a hell of a lot more patience and discipline. But, I still think a bad day here is better than a good day there.
Adrienne recently posted..Why Homeschool?
I couldn’t agree more, and I am a teacher! I am so sick of the FCAT! It stresses me out, the girls out, everyone out. In my daughter’s school they actually pulled kids out of specials to do FCAT prep. If they spent more time teaching and less time preparing for the stupid test I think our kids would be in a lot better spot. Did I mention I hate FCAT?
Do you know what they are doing now that the testing is over? They are teaching, having fun, being engaging and creative. Hmmmm…..
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What happens when they get to the real world where they have to problem solve and not bubble in answers? Oh….I really hate FCAT!
Anna recently posted..I slept with Beluga Whales!
I’m a teacher and I HATE teaching to the test! In New York, the students take a standarized test at the end of every course in place of a teacher created final. On the positive side, every student in the state was held to the same standard, so every student left the school with the same basic background. On the negative side, if your students failed, they had to take it over the summer or the next year (which could affect if you were back next year or not). In one school I worked in, we taught physics, based on what a student should know for physics, not based on the test. Although our tests did use the same format as the state exam so that the students would be familiar with the idosyncracies and requirements of the exam, we taught what we felt was necessary to have a strong understanding of physics, whether it was on the test or not! In another school, the school was so worried about the test scores we were required to teach to the test exactly. Topics were give time based on what percentage of the test they represented, now how long it would actually take for the students to really learn the material. This was not lost on the students, who placed a disproportionate amount of emphasis on their scores and many had test anxiety as a result. I would teach how I felt was necessary, not “to the test” but students would say “that’s not on the test, we don’t need to know it”. They would get upset and feel like it wasn’t worth their time to learn this essential material because it wasn’t directly tested and this culture was so ingrained in them. Any ideas which students actually did well on the exam? In case you weren’t sure, it was the students who’d been taught the material, and had a deeper understand of the subject because they’d learned the whole subject, not just the parts that appeared on the test! It drives me crazy that there is so much evidence that teaching to the test does not work, but many teachers are required to do just that, or risk losing their jobs!
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I’m in FL, and if I wasn’t up my kid’s teacher’s asses all the time making sure they’re doing well and not just by the standardized testing standards….if I wasn’t involved with their education I’d be more worried…
Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..An Example Of When Kids Suck
Twitter: themommymess
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Absolutely! You’ve got to be involved no matter what/how/where your kids go to school.
Twitter: fiercedivablog
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Sadly, our education system is not about the kids or our teachers. I have experienced a lot of disappointment in my district here in NJ – plus I can’t stand that they “teach to the test.” Your rant is understood!
Ilene recently posted..Welcome to My Midlife Crisis
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Thanks, apparently I’m not alone in my frustrations. That’s always nice to know!
Yup standardized tests stink. For the most part I think my children’s teachers have done pretty well in creating a balance in the classroom. And since homeschooling is not an option for us I have to say that I agree with Not A a Perfect Mom in that YOU have to advocate for children. Sooooo important.
Heather recently posted..I’m embarrassing?
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I couldn’t agree more Heather! When my son was in PS (through 4th grade) I was very active. I think no matter what option you choose for your children, YOU still have to be the advocate. There are plenty of Homeschoolers out there that aren’t advocating for their kids. Just like in any other schooling there’s parents that are proactive and parents that are lazy. Unfortunately, that’s just the truth. And I think that when children have parents who realize they need to advocate on their behalf they are safe! <3 I realize this may not always be an option for us, and I try to remember that everyday! I make the most of it now, and hope we can continue to do it, but I try to stay realistic too. I also do not want my kids devastated if they do have to make a change. You just never know what life can bring.
Could not have said it better myself about our system, too. I am thankful for the calling and God’s blessing upon our homeschool choice, too!
Janet recently posted..MtR: piano recital
Twitter: themommymess
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I am thankful! And I know it may not always be an option. I try to appreciate the blessing while it is a possibility for our family.
Teaching to the test is such a said state of affairs. It’s not good for the children. It’s not good for the teachers. It’s only good for bragging rights of which school got the higher scores so they can get more funding. It all makes my belly hurt.
Kristen recently posted..Bloggy Boot Camp & Girls Lunch Out in Philly 2012
Twitter: themommymess
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Mine too!
This system you speak of, sounds like the entire education system in Malaysia, where students are taught to memorize things for the sake of passing exams. They’re not taught to UNDERSTAND basic principals of language, math, science etc. It’s frightening!
Which is why my kids are going to school in Australia. Not that I know much about the education system there, I just know it doesn’t suck as much as it does here.
I’m not brave enough to say I will homeschool though, so bravo to you!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Two Weeks Old
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Alison,
Will you move to Australia? Have you always lived in Malaysia? Just curious.
Yes, the plan is to move to Australia – my husband is Australian and so are my boys. We’re planning to head there in the next 3-4 years.
I’m Malaysian, lived here for most of my life, but did spend 3 1/2 years in England when I was in university.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Two Weeks Old
Twitter: themommymess
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This all sounds so worldly and exciting. I never go anywhere!
Im a teacher and I hate teaching directly to the test those few months they make you cram it all in.
Julie recently posted..Lakeshore Learning winner!
Twitter: themommymess
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The cram is the worst! My niece had to take it for the first time this year and she was in tears almost everyday after school!
As a classroom teacher and reading specialist, no one hates standardized testing more than me. Our public school has struck a balance between test prep and best practice. Parents have to stand up to their state boards of education–no one wants to hear what teachers have to say!
Jennifer Worrell recently posted..Storm-Watchin’
Twitter: themommymess
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So true, Jennifer!
Twitter: AccidentalDesig
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My blessing is that you were just above me in the comments at SITS this morning.
The year my daughters went to private school, they placed them back a grade because of supposed “math deficiency”. The girls carried 100% averages and I was asked to tell them to slow down doing their work because they completed things so quickly and became a distraction to the rest of the class. I just realized, they were likely using this method to cushion test scores.
We have to do standardized testing for homeschool in our state. The kids think it’s a vacation. The umbrella school we are with changed test companies this year. One of mine super tanked on math. I think she got off by one row on the answer form.
Your points are real, valid, and being totally ignored by thousands of educators and politicians and families. Sh. It’s a whole industry. If people start thinking so many jobs will be lost. AT THE TOP!
Maggie S. recently posted..There’s Always an Extra Blessing to Obedience…Darn It.
Twitter: themommymess
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I tested my oldest this year with the Stanford 10. I’m curious to see what his math comes in at, as we take a non-traditional route for math. But, the test is not required. We have to have each child evaluated by a certified teacher, and that evaluation is sent to the county. I like having the tests to see how they’re doing. Like I said, it’s a good tool if used properly! We don’t teach to it, and we don’t prep. I want to see how they’re REALLY doing!
Both of my inlaws were teachers and they hated having to teach for the kids to pass the state tests! No one should judge you for homeschooling, it sounds like you are doing a great job! My oldest is in public school, but I work with him at home everyday also. This summer he has work books and we are working on the skills that he needs to improve before school starts again. I think too many parents don’t spend time with their kids at home and expect school to teach them everything. Great post!
Frugal in WV recently posted..Gnocchi, Sweet Corn and Arugula in Cream Sauce
Twitter: themommymess
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Amen! Too may parents think they can just send the kiddos off and rely on teacher for everything. Well, that’s just not realistic! I get so frustrated with people in my own family that complain about their teachers not “doing their job”, meanwhile they (the parents) refuse to step it up ans help the kids! ARGH! Makes me so mad! Good for you for being a proactive parent!
Trying to make a decision to homeschool myself. The kids at my girls’ public school do well on standardized tests but there is no merit pay here. I don’t know what the answer is. Having politicians manage a system they only remember from childhood is certainly making it tougher. Not everyone can homeschool and not everyone should. I am still so uncertain about it all.
Laura recently posted..The Opportunities We Give Our Kids
Twitter: themommymess
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It’s true, Laura. Not everyone can, or should. I totally agree! I try to keep my feet on the ground and remember this may bot always be an option for us. It’s hard to make decisions as parents. Not matter what the topics are.
Teaching to the test infuriates me. Lowering standards infuriates me even more. NOT OK. I’m glad you are confident in the decision you’ve made for your boys. Keep it up!
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..Things They Can’t Say – I’m So There Today
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I’m not always confident. I have days when I question the decision, as I’m sure that goes with any decision we make as parents, but lately? I have a peace knowing it’s what’s best for us. Thanks for the encouragement!
Hats off to families that homeschool. One on one teaching to the specific needs of your child is no doubt superior to any classroom situation. Sounds like it works well for your family.
Thanks for stopping by to make my SITS day so fun.
Jenny recently posted..Oh Happy Day
Twitter: themommymess
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The one-on-one is one of the biggest pros I have! Nothing can replace that time!
I am a teacher and I agree, teaching to the tests isn’t REAL LIFE!!!! It is so frustrating. I’m glad to see so many people realize that it’s the politicians making these rules that simply don’t work. We are working with children here it’s not a business; you can’t compare apples to oranges! The political figures believe that their opinions are correct and rarely ask for the opinions or input of educators. I’m not trying to say I know it all, but I do work with children on a daily basis, so I think that I have a stronger understanding of what is DEVELOPMENTALLY appropriate than someone who doesn’t work with children.
I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that each family is an individual and what works for one family doesn’t always work for another. Good for you to know what’s best for your kiddos and for being able to do it!
Erin recently posted..180 Days
Twitter: themommymess
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Thanks, Erin! When I see that teachers are chiming in with similar opinions it helps me feel good about our choice.
As a teacher in the public school system I agree with the problems of standardized assessment and the public school system. (I’m in Canada, but we have similar problems.) This year my son’s entry to Kindergarten have led us to a ‘semi-homeschool’ option. Depending on what we’re doing, he attends Kindergarten 5 – 0 days a week (!) Next year hubby will take unpaid leave to continue what we’re doing.
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