Multiple subject teachers can become eligible to teach middle school and most high school math courses (Geometry, Algebra 1/2 and Statistics). All that is required is passing two CSET tests and one graduate course on teaching secondary subject matter. Click on the official flyer. Of course, secondary credential holders can earn a Foundational-Level Math credential by merely passing the two tests.
Motivating teachers to add this to their skill set should be supported by the district by reimbursing the CSET costs, upon successful test completion, and negotiating for a reduced cost at a school such as Alliant or National for the teachers to take. The "New Foundation" program would also garner good publicity for the district, if successful. ALEKS software could be used to help teachers master "rusty" topics at an extremely low cost.
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Of all of the struggles facing schools and teachers, having API scores based on tests that don't matter to many students is frustrating. Accountability must include students.
The real block inhibiting incorporating STAR results is the unusually long time between testing and getting individual results: results aren't available until the middle of August generally. Still, teachers, only teachers, have the right to change a student's grades. This allows the following policy and procedures to be suggested to teachers.
As an experiment, grades 8-11 math teachers should be encouraged to adjust Spring Semester grades plus/minus one grade level before the start of the Autumn semester using the table below. Spring grades would be seen as provisional. However, no undue pressure should be applied to teachers, this must be a voluntary activity. Furthermore, if a teacher doesn't regrades no harm is done under this approach. Note: a student who passes with a D cannot be failed under this schedule, but a failed student can raise his or her grade to a D if a "C" level of performance is obtained. F's should not automatically change to D's without consideration or due to just entering a slightly higher level.
The district will supply a document with the original grades and STAR Results accompanied by a document to record final grades. If the teacher chooses to change grades, two hours of duty time before the start of classes should be reserved for this activity.
One added benefit of this policy is that it checks grade inflation. An A is really an A. Colleges will accept grade point averages more readily. Furthermore, while some parents will complain when a child's grade is lowered; others will happily accept a higher grade and acknowledge that this system offers a more fair and objective grading system. This system isn't just a test motivator, but also a way to improve grade-reliability. This is important and worth the fight.
Math Grade Suggested Adjustment Chart
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Project Lead the Way is a highly developed integrated math and applied science curriculum spanning junior high and high school focused on engineering. Interested members should examine this organization.
