Search Results for: blog the controversy over the high school exit exam

More Tips for Reducing Test Anixety

Test anxiety is real. Test anxiety is a major concern for many students and parents. In my last article, I discussed some of the signs of test anxiety. I also offered some tips on how to help your child reduce text anxiety. In this article, I will offer even more advice and tips on how to reduce anxiety before taking a test. In addition to the tips in my previous article, try the following. Make sure that your child gets enough sleep. Energy is needed to focus clearly on the test questions. It is recommended for children to have at … Continue reading →

Helping Your Child Overcome Test Anxiety

Call me crazy but I am one of the few who as a student actually liked to take test. I always loved test days because we did not have to listen to a teacher lecture. I have always been one who had rather figure out how to complete the work myself rather than listen to a long lengthy explanation. I have also always, in most cases, felt confident in the knowledge that I know. However, some students have major test anxiety. I know some people who completely forget every piece of information that they knew as soon as the test … Continue reading →

Back To The Basics – Teaching High School Students To Read

Teaching high school can definitely have challenges. My biggest challenge is something that perhaps you might not think of. The biggest challenge that most people think of is discipline. Believe it or not, discipline is not it. My biggest challenge as an English teacher in the Resource Department is reading. As sad as it is, most of my students can’t read. I find it incredibly sad that I have seniors that can’t read. Most of them do have some reading skills but can only read at about a second grade level. I hear people all the time blaming different people … Continue reading →

Is Teaching To Grade-Level Standards The Only Way To Go?

As many of you know, I am a high school teacher. What you may not know is that I teach in the Special Education Department. The majority of my students are not physically handicapped in any way. They are in special education due to a specific learning disability. Basically put, they read at a second or third grade level. First of all, let me express the fact that I absolutely love my students and find being a teacher completely fulfilling. The part that I have a problem with is teaching to the standards. Let me explain. We have certain standards … Continue reading →

The Controversy Over the High School Exit Exam

We have all heard of the controversy in regards to the High School Exit Exam. In California, we have what is called the CAHSEE. Basically, it is a standardized test that our students must pass in order to receive their high school diploma. This year, a waiver was signed allowing students in Special Education to receive their diploma without having to pass the CAHSEE as long as they met the other requirements such as their number of units completed. Next year, however, it is a real possibility that they too will have to pass the CAHSEE in order to receive … Continue reading →