Well the second statewide exam of the school year is upon us. We're in New York State and the pressure is huge on schools to perform. I finally buckled and took my child to SYlvan - he loves it. They make it fun - no more tears and heart wrenching struggles.

We've been through it once already this year with the language arts. Later in the spring it will be science. School is deadly serious about these tests.
Anybody else facing the TESTS!!!

By ~harlena on Monday, March 9, 2009 - 11:17 pm:

WE are right there with you .... it's now FCAT time (Florida - we now teach for the test - Test)starts tomorrow, grades 3 and up .... each grade is a bit different .... and 4th grade (I believe) is the grade that if you don't score at X or above, your teacher can hold you back on that alone.

When I let it get to me too much, there is a strong pull to homeschool ..... my children don't actually test very well, so while I understand the need for comprehensive assessments, I don't think it should be the "do all be all" of school as it seems to be down here. Just my humble, yet very strong opinon.

By Northcountrymom on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 08:13 pm:

Well he's done with Math and Language Arts. The knashing of teeth and power struggles have decreased. Now we have Science - he loves science. Its a shame to ruin it with this test. Yes!!! and the pull of homeschool. The brief time I did it with him early on we had so much fun. Would love to homeschool again. Maybe at the end of this school year. Hate quitting when we've gotten thru the worst (here's hoping).