RE: CAMP SUMMARY Day 9: Draft Master Plan

I am particulary concerned about "testing craze"which is not giving a full and appropriate picture of student achievement. I see the results of Sat 9 in the efforts of teachers to improve their API through teaching to the test. Valuable time is lost, leaving little time for learning to think critically, for projects and hands  on activities across the curriculum.  The emphasis on literacy and math, while important, needs to allow flexibility to meet students' individual needs, as well as experienced teachers' successful strategies.  Attempting to judge the performance of ELLs through English language testing is particularly foolish, if not abusive for many students. There is a test for the ELD level. Sat 9 tests nothing for limited English students. Accountability must be on the local level, measured by commitment and collaborative goal setting appropriate to the school or district, not mandated from a governmental entity, especially when we see the lobbying efforts that corporate texts and systems producers have on the selection of curricula.

Few legislators are in depth students of the ample research available on this subject. 

Thanks for a great job of reporting on the discussion! I am especially happy to see the emphasis on early childhood education and preschool. I pray that they will be quality programs, understanding the learning process for young children is purposeful play materials and guidance from teachers, as well as parents working in the classroom and at home.  We must not put away the block and paints in K and 1st grade either!