Learning as a Way of Teaching

It has been two months, but with TAKSMAN on sabbatic, Inclusioncast is back with another episode.

This episode stems from frustrations over the TAKS test and all things related to it.  There is a lot of energy that is placed on the test as it rolls around, and I think there is a lot of energy that could be shared all year long.

I cannot wait to hear your toughts and reactions to this episode.  Thanks for taking the time to listen.

Inclusioncast #2

A group of Houstonians are taking on the TAKS test.  They say that preparing students for the TAKS test is taking up too much instructional time. 

First, let me say that a lot of energy is put into the TAKS test.  Yes, our school’s rating hangs in the balance, and there is even the question of “Will my kid pass to the next grade if he does not pass the TAKS?”

One has to argue, though, that if we teach the TEKS; then aren’t we preparing students for the test?  OR is the problem that we are focusing on test taking strategies too much?  Well, why not?  Students have to take tests in college and need to know how to prepare for them.

If I am taking the BAR exam, I would want to know what kind of questions that will be asked and how to take the exam.  So to say we are teaching to the test, there are two ways to see it.

Which way do you see it?