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January, 2008

We have a standards-based progress report with many line items. Teachers have been asked to write a few sentences in the “personal growth” area. Teachers from at least one elementary school are being asked to write comments in social studies and science. Others are being asked to give a written explanation every time a “2” is given. It becomes incredibly redundant. For instance, if a child is a given a “2” in Listens Attentively, it is repetitive to then write, “Child does not listen attentively during lessons.” This is an unnecessary burden placed on many of our teachers!

Some teachers are writing very lengthy narratives to go along with progress reports. These reports then become the standard. When individuals write lengthy reports, it harms the greater membership, as that suddenly becomes the expectation. Be aware that these actions go against what the NTA promotes as most important – more time to focus on actual teaching!

People were unhappy that while the due date for progress reports had been known for quite a while, literacy assessments in the elementary schools were expected to be completed on the same date. NTA members felt that these two deadlines should have been staggered. We want time to plan and teach; not just assess!

Did you know? Middle school and high school teachers use drop down menus for comments. Elementary teachers must write their comments by hand.

Keep your eyes and ears open for information about the override – proposition 2 1/2. Our schools will be hit HARD if the override does not pass.