We just found out that our mandatory state tests will be administered beginning the third week of March and then again in May! Unfortunately, many of our students just aren't ready! Teachers only have so much time to teach the material and then they have to move on to the next topic before the kids have a real chance to "get it". We are trying to get parents to volunteer at least 30 minutes a week to tutor small groups (2-4 students) on math skills! Has anyone tried this and if so, what were the results? Many of the parents just don't understand that if their 3rd graders don't pass this test, then he/she will be a 3rd grader again for the 2002-2003 school year!!! Any suggestions on pulling parents in to help?

We have had P.A.S.S. (parents assisting student success)in place for 4 years. It is a tutoring program but is actually one on one. Our volunteers not only help with math but reading or any other skills the teacher requests a student get extra help with. It is an all year program, not just during testing periods. We have found great success with retirees in our school neighborhood and grandparents of students to volunteer for this. Rather than have it set up for specific days or times of the week, our teachers work around the schedule of our volunteers. The retention rate from year to year with these volunteers has been better than with most other committees. Once a person has volunteered for P.A.S.S. they find it rewarding for themselves as well as the students.

I'm sorry, but I have to ask...
WHY aren't the students ready? Tutoring is to help, much like a bandaid. Please don't get me wrong, I strongly believe in tutoring, but it shouldn't be the reason a classroom or a large group of children aren't ready.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> Unfortunately, many of our students just aren't ready! Teachers only have so much time <hr></blockquote>.

Teachers are paid to make sure children meet at least the minimum state standards. Tutors should be used for slower learners or children with learning disabilities. Where are these children's parents?

Hi MetzyMom,
That last question about where are the childrens parents hit a aour note with me! Just 2 days ago my neighbor, a 15 yr old, (2 doors down) shot himself in the head(2X). His going to be ok, but may loose the site in 1 eye. Now hear this! Mom hasn't be living there, she rents the place and she lives with her boy friend. This 15yr. has been living there by himself. We live in a very family neighborhood. A lot of kids. We have had nothing but problems with him and his friends since they moved in. Have called the police, talked to his mother(when I can find her). Nothing has been done. I feel really bad for him, but his mother, I want to wring her neck!!!!! Don't know really what to do but vent! Thanks.

Note to DP:

I'm sorry to hear that. Amazing that you need a license to drive a car but anyone can raise a child (or not raise a child as the case may be).

Elizabeth

Oddly enough our teachers start practicing test skills with our students the first month of school and parents were--I stress were-- upset by that!! Once the school board started explaining in the school newsletter why and how this benifits our students in the long run many parents have calmed down. Our teachers use part of their English and Reading time to go over skills and sample questions on the tests. I wish I could give you stats on how well this works but our school has seen improvments over time.

DP- we recently had a cop's wife arrested for beating their son and the boy had been in a coma for two (2) days in the family home....I was at the barber shop and we all felt SHE needed a good beating and left. Not very mommy like of me but it's really scary. The boy is certainly in my heart and prayers, he's not expected to live. :confused: