CB>  DJ> tests.  Meanwhile, standardized national test scores are
CB> Really? I would like to know the source for this please.
 DJ> In Maryland, the state constructed the MSPAP (Maryland school 
 DJ> performance assessment program). Much time and energy is used to 
 DJ> prepare for these tests in grades 3 and 5. The test are now 
 DJ> moving into the middle schools and will be used in the high 
 DJ> schools as exit exams. The California Test of basic skills in our 
 DJ> county is being phased out (scores are falling).
There could be several reasons the scores are falling, none of them related 
to lack of student performance.
 
1. Inclusion of special ed students in testing.
2. Agressive truancy programs-those students that would rather take the easy 
way out are being tested.
3. Student attitudes about national testing-the eighth graders that took the 
test in my room were bombed out after two days of testing, so the third day 
was a waste.
4. Teacher attitudes, if the teacher is not that enthusiastic about testing 
from on high, then that could affect student scores.
5. Put what you want.
 
I am sure that there are more reasons that could be included, a really good 
program would take some of these items in account.
--- Maximus 2.02
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