Namely:  The children.

Back in the day, going to school meant many things.  It meant a solid education.  It meant learning to work with and respect different types of authority figures.  It meant developing social skills with others.

Today, school still means something.  But I'm afraid the focus isn't where it should be.  The focus now is on test-taking.  Or should I say, test-passing?  I'm refering to the Ohio Achievement Tests, required for grades 3-8. My son started taking the OAT's a few years back.  His first year of testing...a few days before the test, he came home to me and said "Mom, my teacher told me if I dont pass the test, I cant go to fourth grade".  WHAT?  This is a straight-A student.  He cant go to fourth grade if he doesn't pass?  What if he just isn't a good test taker?  What if, like many folks young and old alike, he doesn't do well under pressure??  Well then, telling him he wont pass his grade should certainly help a bunch (insert sarcasm here).

I'd love to say this was a one time occurance, but apparently, scare tactics are not all that uncommon.   Case in point, a 7th grader that my family knows, in a school in Preble County, was told just last week that "if you kids dont pass the OAT tests, the school might have to shut down".

What kind of thing is that to say to a child?  Children have no concept of "empty threats" vs. facts.  You tell a child the school will close if they dont pass a test and what that child hears is "If you dont pass, you will not see your friends anymore".

I guess while I'm on my soapbox, here's another gripe....getting all the letters and phone calls the week before the OAT tests, reminding parents to have their children get a goods nights' sleep and eat a good breakfast before they come to school.  Gee, good thing they told me.  Otherwise I'd just stick with our usual school night routine of a 1am bedtime and Mountain Dew for breakfast.

Why is it so much more important to have a sensible school routine on OAT test week than any other week of the year?  Why is it so much more important that kids show up for school and do the best they can during OAT test week vs any other school week?  And who is laying so much pressure on these teachers that they feel the need to threaten children regarding the passing of a test?

It just makes me afraid of where the focus has gone in our school system....

do your best, learn your best?  or Do or die.

Thanks for reading!

Kelley A. Weimer

a house "SOLD" name!

www.buypreblecounty.com

Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH and beyond; including Eaton, Brookville, West Alexandria, Camden, Germantown, Lewisburg and Lakengren.

*** This blog is entirely my opinion and does not represent the opinion, fact or view of any other individual.