Substantive criticism abounds of the Smarter Balanced Tests for which our children sat last year, and of standardized testing generally. Opposition is growing nearly as fast as the evidence that children are not well-served by the mindset that created these strategies.
The State was, indeed wise to scrap Smarter Balanced, and would do well to further question Education Reformers’ motives and expertise.
That said, as these tests consumed precious class time, and, many would argue, caused a narrowing of the curriculum more weighted to reading and math than ever…. Our readers should have the results to determine for themselves their value or lack of same.
MDOE Standardized Test Scores 2014-2015
For an informative piece; one Diane Ravitch has called a “must read” giving context surrounding how these tests are scored; what constitutes “proficiency” etc. click here
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skier1996
Timbered Classrooms... 
Your Community needs you more than ever. A huge push to consolidate the High Schools is in effect. We can not let this happen.
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What is with the huge push to consolidate? Who are they kidding? More money will be spent, students will lose out. The big lie, kids will have more if we consolidate. Is Mike Hammer just another Larry Malone or worse? Why do we hire people that other districts want to get rid of?
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The huge push to consolidate has been in full swing for three years now.
“You don’t save money but you change who gets it” -Marty Strange. https://atimberedchoir.wordpress.com/2014/03/17/column-beware-what-school-consolidation-means/
You are absolutely right about consolidation and the “push” is not meant to benefit you or your children or your community.
Certain Board members want all the districts money in their town and it does not matter at all that the cost benefit analysis makes no sense for you.
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Thank you so much! It is nice to be appreciated. Even though I have no power, I am here to help to the best of my ability.
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