Friday, November 23, 2007
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Emphasis on FCAT pushes teacher out of the classroom
by Robin Miller, Boca Raton
South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)

November 14, 2007

Last month, I resigned as a five-year veteran teacher of Broward County schools. My resignation was due to the incredible pressure put on  teachers with the "all FCAT, all the time" mentality in the classrooms.

I have more than 900 professional service hours, three different certifications, an English for Speakers of Other Languages endorsement,
and a masters degree in education. Every year, I received exemplary evaluations from my administrator.

In my resignation letter, I stated, "The administration at Pompano Beach Middle School is totally preoccupied with getting their FCAT numbers up this year. We are constantly made aware that our jobs are on the line unless this is accomplished. As you can imagine, morale is very low."

Any CEO would not let a valued employee leave without, at the minimum, a discussion on how the work environment can improve.

Broward County public schools are in total disarray, and this FCAT  frenzy has seeped down from the top to the principals, to the teachers,  until it finally ends up in the classroom, affecting students' classroom  behavior and achievement as well.

Although I have lost my career path, I feel that it was the right move, since no one seems to care that another teacher has left the teaching arena - another casualty of the FCAT frenzy.

YOUR STATE STANDARDS

Reflections On Education A quote for each day (with an extra one for leap years)

Student Testing, Student Assessment and; Test Preparation

Test Preparation: How to Help Your Kids Do Well on Standardized Tests


TESTING Objections Over State Testing Are Widespread

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Friday, November 23, 2007 7:44:17 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Related posts:
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