This is setting children up for failure! This is their first big exposure to TCAP and we do this to them three times per year. After they read a few questions, and realize they don't understand the content, they shut down. They quit. I can't say I blame them. It doesn't get any better the next time the test rolls around. RTI2 (Response to Instruction & Intervention Initiative) needs to be looked into. I got started today, and it is jaw dropping!!!
If students are assessed on 23 of 36 skills not taught yet, the need for intervention is going to be high... and it was! I'm not sure what purpose DEA is serving, but it did cost Shelby County Schools $887,488.00 this year!
The DEA is a predictive assessment and I can't quite wrap my head around what that means. It is supposed to predict performance on TCAP and the EOC. If we are assessing students on skills not taught, how can we predict how they might do once they are taught? Very confusing to me. One thing I am certain of, SCS and any other district using this type of assessment needs to find a more productive way to spend their money. Wait... that would be our money!
(This was shared with permission by this elementary teacher in Shelby County)
Tennessee parents do not trust computerized assessments. We trust real teachers.