Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

My daughter came home on day one of her ELA and when I asked her "how did it go, was it like you thought it would be compared to the practice tests" she said to me:

"I was easier then I thought, and Ms. xxxxxx saw my test and gave me a hint to change number 25 so I know I got that right!!"

I was like Basically the teacher helped her CHEAT

Now, I know "it's only one question" but who knows what she told other kids!!

Should I let this go, or say something ?? (not to the teacher, but anonymously to the principal or someone)

Re: Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

Maybe the teacher was just pointing out something that they had gone over and had your DD rethink it?

My chem teacher told us that you would never have three of the same answers in a row on a regents (I think that is not the case anymore) and he walked by and pointed at my scantron. I guess technically it's "cheating" but kids lose focus so easily and even the best get a bit of test anxiety.

Re: Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

wow - I always wonder if that kind of stuff really happens. I would clarify what the hint was with your daughter. Did the teacher maybe remind her to put the answer on the answer sheet or something? And maybe your daughter misconstrued it in some way as verifying her answer? It's a long shot but I am only saying this because I think a teacher giving answers on a state test is pretty serious and you may want to be really certain before you consider reporting her. I walk around while the kids are working and make sure they are on task, not skipping questions, filling in the answer sheet correctly, etc. But I NEVER hint as to whether or not an answer is correct. Would love to - but don't. Is it possible that was all it was?

If she clearly gave an answer it is up to you. I don't know how seriously administration would take it but I would guess that they'd have to investigate it and question the children. I don't know what they do if they find it to be true.

Re: Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

1. As a parent, I've heard of this happening. In another district, one of my friends said that this happened to her son. She was appalled at first and then I guess calmed down later because she never brought it up again.

2. As a teacher, I wouldn't do it because it just feels like cheating. But I know teachers are under a lot of pressure to get those scores, so I wouldn't necessarily judge someone as fast as maybe I should. But, OMG, would I love to help my kids like that.

Re: Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

that happens ALL the time. unfortunately it is very common and is the reason why some districts do consistently well or districts that are "lower performers" in other ways but do well on state tests.

that's one reason why i don't believe in standardized tests.

(for the record, i have never done it but have seen it happen in a district i worked in many many years ago.)

i wouldn't say anything because it could have been the principal that "made" the teachers do it (it's all the way they say it.) there's no way to prove it and it will be a he said/she said.

Re: Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

Thanks for all the answers. After clairfying it with her that the teacher told her "change 25" I was still annoyed but....reallized that this does happen and decided it isn't worth a fight. It will be a "he said she said" and I don't want it to have any negative reprocussions on my DD.

I have to say that when looking for a house now, while I still look at test scores on Greatschoos.net, I am not taking them into as much consideration as I was.....

Re: Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

i don't blame you for letting it go, i don't think it'd be worth the possible negative consequences for your daughter.

but i'm surprised to hear other posters say this goes on all the time. i work in the city and have not seen this. maybe i am really naive and it is happening all around me. but as far as i know this does not happen in my school. maybe it exists more out here on the island where things are more competitive. i don't know. but it bothers me. how can my disadvantaged students possibly compete with this going on?

Re: Question for teachers (specifically ones who have 4th graders) and parents too!!

I have seen it and been asked to do it and NOT while I was in NYC.

I have also heard of schools that have their teachers make posters specifically for the tests instead of covering them like we are supposed to.

I walk around during the test but do not help them-I could lose my job over that.