Test Scores-ELA & Math Teachers

Do you judge your own "success" as a teacher based in the scores your students get on these tests?

To what extent?

Re: Test Scores-ELA & Math Teachers

Yes... sometimes.

I teach severely learning disabled kids. so when they can get a 2 or a 3, i feel good because perhaps i am helping them attain some solid grade level skills. however, on the opposite token, when they struggle and only get a 1, i know that it's not my teaching at fault completely. they are asked to take a test above their level of functioning.

Also, i do use them as a guide to how much time i spend on certain areas. if i see that ALL of my kids are getting all the questions wrong on say, probability, it clues me in to perhaps i need to spend a little more time on that area.

but i refuse to teach to a test. i truly believe that if you're a good teacher, you are teaching them the skills they need and they will do fine on the state tests, beucase actually for general education students, they should be okay on these tests. they are not constructed well at all and do not require much or any critical thinking skills. i hate "drill and kill."

Message edited 5/20/2008 8:42:16 PM.