A school where they don’t just teach to the test

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That sounds terrible. Two teacher household here, both elementary. Memorization hasn't been a "thing" for many, many years. Neither of us even have any study guides.

Memorization hasn't been a 'thing'? What subjects are you teaching?
My child had to memorize multiplication facts - and for good reason, 'thing' or no 'thing'. Now they're studying American history in Social Studies and are expected to know the dates of the Seven-year war along with names of various acts and public figures involved. Are you saying they don't need to memorize that information?

Memorization SHOULD be a thing, just not the only thing. Teachers and districts who think they can teach “critical thinking” to people who know no facts/lack background knowledge are deluding themselves. Critical thinking is trying to see underlying patterns, understand causality, etc of related events, facts, etc.

A test study guide shouldn’t be the only material, but without textbooks to define a unit, they are important tools for many kids.

+1
Well said!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When schools are judged by standardized tests, there will always be teachers to teach "to the test."

The irony is that kids perform better when the teachers just teach.

That's why homeschoolers perform better in tests. Op, look into homeschooling, your child will actually learn!

[Anonymous]

MCPS doesn't have study guides or textbooks. It would be perfect for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When schools are judged by standardized tests, there will always be teachers to teach "to the test."

The irony is that kids perform better when the teachers just teach.

That's why homeschoolers perform better in tests. Op, look into homeschooling, your child will actually learn!

I think the 1-to-1 (or 1-3 depending on kids) ratio with a parent who is motivated to teach probably has a lot more to do with it if there's a consistent finding that controlling for other factors they perform better on tests.