Consider changes that you have had to make in your classroom to accommodate mandatory testing.
- What aspects of these changes have been helpful to you and your students?
- What aspects have been difficult?
It may be helpful to make a list of the pros and cons of the new testing requirements; there will likely be some of both. Then compare your list with a colleague’s.
- Do you agree that there is certain content information that forms the body of cultural literacy necessary for all to know who live in the United States or in any given culture?
- Do you think today’s focus on content knowledge is helpful in building a stronger base of informed literacy for all students?
- Do you feel that the way you are now teaching contributes to increased
intellectual curiosity in your students? - Are you able to lead them into the pure joy of learning for its own sake and not simply to perform well on a test?
- Finally, think about your own situation.
- When was the last time you personally learned something new just for the fun of it?
- Has your love of learning increased or diminished over the past years?
Can you identify the causes?
Reflect again on your early schooling when you were gaining information by reading in various subject areas. What sparked your interest or made you want to know more? Did you have any difficulty reading for information? Nothing derails intellectual curiosity more thoroughly than a reading problem. If you did not struggle with reading difficulties, how did you feel about those who did? Our attitudes toward those who have educational challenges are usually formed in elementary school. The challenge of struggling learners remains very much with us today. Does their lack of progress fuel frustration for you?
