1 week left

So a week from today is the third administration of the TAKS test - I sure hope my kids pass... I totally agree with TEA that students need to pass an assessment and prove that they've mastered the necessary topics to be able to be successful in the next grade - but I think it is late in their lives to demand progress... I have 3 kids that I truly believe that they will drop out of school if they do not miraculously pass -- what good does that do for them, they will never find a job that will let them live up to their potential! I know that I get way too passionate about my students, and it will give me way more grey hairs than I have (which is tripling daily I think) but how do these people think that our country has a descent education system? How do they think it is a fair and equal system that allows equal opportunity to each student in America? And - mainly because I only care about the math side of things - how is it fair to assess a student on their mathematical knowledge by placing words like "architect" or "progression" (or any other word that average middle class white people have no problems with) in the problem when that child can not read that word. Now are you testing their knowledge of volume and integers or are you testing their ability to read- and/or- their ability to ignore words and pick a, b, c, or d...

I don't think any of this makes sense, but this close to the biggest single test of their lives, these kids aren't worried about learning, they're worried about being able to drive in middle school, they're worried about their parents beating them and/or calling them stupid for another year of 8th grade... they're worried about not getting to play sports for a whole year, because they didn't learn how to divide back in 4th grade... I know that the system needs work, and they are doing what they think is best, but I don't have to like it. If anyone knows of any way I can get involved and help make change, let me know - for now I will try to get my masters then doctorate degree - and follow my goals to be superintendent - and try to change the way it works one school district at a time!

side note -- I can't stop thinking about The Biggest Loser - I don't ask for prayers often, but I truly feel that my life needs this, and it will give me the tools to be a great example for my students... I mean how can I tell my 350lb 8th grade girl that she should lose weight and exercise if I can't do it myself... So July 19th - is so far away, but I know that everyone would love me - i mean come on you do right? :-D

Last night I got to play ball - 2 games! Dad came in and we had dinner -- too bad he didn't get to play, but he sure will next season and nothing makes me happier than playing softball with my dad.. The big weekend of family stuff made me realize how great my life is and how lucky I am to have that support system! You should all be jealous of my AMAZING parents!

Have a great night - I think its time to cuddle :)