Connecticut has been under the spell of the Connecticut Mastery Tests(CMTs) for the past two weeks. Every morning the kids take a test that lasts from 47-70 minutes. A common practice of schools is to eliminate or greatly reduce homework during the time of the CMTs. I would just like to share a snippet of a conversation from dinner table tonight.
Mom: Do you have any homework tonight?
Daughter: Just math
Mom: That’s it?
Daughter: We don’t much homework during the CMTs
Mom: Why not?
Daughter: Because they want us rested so we will do well on the tests
Dad (in his head): So they don’t want you rested to do well the rest of the year?
Tonight I got to spend time wrestling with my girls and then we even had time left over to go to the library together because they did not have much homework to do.
standardized tests + CMT homework policy = more family time
For one night, I was a huge supporter of standardized testing.
I understand exactly what you’re saying – CAPT has allowed me to get caught up on correcting (which, due to being sick, I’ve fallen woefully behind on). Not a fan of the tests, but the test days aren’t too bad.
As you know, I completely agree with you about homework. My oldest is only in kindergarten, so we haven’t hit the majority of homework yet. I have to admit that I’m dreading it.
I’m glad you and the girls had a good evening!
I know what your talking about, Because of CMT’s i have had like no homework and so much time on my hands.
Hi, It’s Marnie! That is interesting and kind of like the six things that make me happy tag simple things like going to the library with family can really make you happy (but you just don’t know it!) I was already connected with one of the Racheles in your class, I did not know she was in your class!
~Marnie
http://marnies604.edublogs.org/
Rachele’s blog that I went to- http://rachele09.edublogs.org/
I highly recommend reading Alfie Kohn’s “The Homework Myth”. If you have too many other assignments to add the book you can view and listen to the slideshare summary here: http://www.slideshare.net/caroy/the-homework-myth-presentation
Great post Paul
@Charlie Yes–have read that and loved it. I have his article on “Rigor” sitting on my desktop waiting to be re-read.
Yes. I completely agree. Here in SC, where we have recently changed our test’s name from PACT to PASS, it’s not just the homework issue either. Also during testing you are to get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast. My response is “What about the rest of the year???”
Hello Paul… It is Marnie! I am tagging you for a challenge post with the theme of, What Keeps Me Going. For more information on what to do and my post go to my blog (link below) It is my turn to tag you! by the way I have met many of your students!
~Marnie
http://marnies604.edublogs.org/
i dislike the cmt’s a lot, but somehow we still do get a good amount of homework. from the other classes of course!!!!!