1 post from March 2009

I teach Algebra I, a state tested subject.  This year I have a relatively bright bunch of students, about the top 10% of the first time 9th graders at the school (although a few of those MUST have cheated on the placement test....). 

Every nine weeks the district gives a really hard standardized test.  All word problems, mostly DOK 1000.  I have been pushing my students really hard with these tests in mind, and hey, it is good to have the students thinking on this level.  Most of them have done alright, but a good handful of them have checked out and have grades in the 60's.

As I was planning for my lesson tomorrow on quadratics, I took a quick glance at the SATP test to see how this topic would be tested.  Looking at the test for the first time in a while reminded me how EASY it is.  My students with 60's will almost surely score profecient on the test.  90% of the questions are DOK .02 if you know some basic facts and how to use the calculator.

Now I feel guilty.  Should I go back and pad some students' grades?  If the state of Mississippi is going to judge these  students as proficient in Algebra I, what bussiness to do I have judging them as failing?

Looking for thoughts!!