Re: [LM_NET] rigging AR

[Barbara Braxton <barbara.288@BIGPOND.COM>]

Okay, so I am going to open a can of worms again but ... 
 
What is the problem with students rigging their results in whatever way
UNLESS...

AR points (and the like) are such an integral part of a school's assessment
program that students and parents see these as the most important indicators
of a student's reading ability.

And if that is the case, why is this so?  What does it say about the depth
of a school's reading program and its assessment?  What does it say about
the quality of the child's learning?  What does it say about the quality of
the teaching?  If a child is not yet reading independently, how can specific
feedback that focuses on personalised strategies be offered?

I know AR is not meant to be used in this way but it is, and if I were in
charge of its administration in a school where students felt compelled to be
devious in order to gain points, then I would be looking at the school's
philosophy to identify why this is so.  In this particular case, I don't
think that it is solely a parent issue.  If a school's assessment program
(and the subsequent impacts on the student)  is open to external
manipulation by those with the money, inclination or opportunity then I
believe it is the program that needs to be reviewed.
Barbara


Barbara Braxton
Teacher Librarian
COOMA NSW 2630
E.barbara.288@bigpond.com
Together, we learn from each other

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