It all comes down to money. Admins do take these shortcuts because we're under pressure to have our schools make the API & AYP scores here in California. What blows for us is that if your school does not make them, you get taken over by the state & get lots of money given to your school to purchase computers, ipads for teachers & admins, etc. If your school does make AYP & API scores, you get a pat on the back & no money. I've given the test & looked at it. All I can say is
. It's wishful thinking to believe that teachers will be trusted to teach the curriculum around here because of the level of importance placed on testing by admins & district officials.
There have been hints of cheating around here but nothing to the level of Atlanta (at least that's been disclosed).
As for good teaching, teachers no longer have the freedoms to have well-balanced & well-rounded students. For example, at my school, our focus is on reading, writing & math. All art, music & "fluff" curriculum have been cut. We are not allowed to waste time teaching science & social studies after March b/c standardized tests don't test those in the primary grades. LAME!
We have to stick to the curriculum (either HM or Open Court) and that's it. Creativity is NOT encouraged whatsoever. So sad.
