You might be surprised to learn that in a recent survey of over 1700 NHS students, 68% believed that making PSSA proficiency a graduation requirement would motivate them to try harder. Less surprisingly, 73% said that incentives would further increase their motivation. This data suggests that if we mandate PSSA proficiency to be a graduation requirement but do so with the proper support and encouragement, student motivation will increase.
Several Neshaminy faculty members, in conjunction with the Education Development Committee, are compiling data from other PA school districts that have mandated PSSA proficiency to learn if their programs have been successful in increasing test scores. The Committee will consider this and all information before making a recommendation to the board.
As always, I’m interested in your opinion. Please answer the poll question over to the right, and add your comments to this post. And if you’re really interested in this topic, I recommend you attend the next Ed Development Committee meeting (date tbd).
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2 comments:
NCLB in theory is a good idea if properly funded but in it's current form it is a disaster . Students will spend more time on testing and what about the special ed students that are helped throughout their education but are not helped during the test. Also, what do you do with the 30% that do not pass the PSSA - say sorry you spent 13 years here. Is this board willing to spend the time and money to assure that no child is left behind.ie. smaller class sizes, adequate Special Ed all cost money.
As a part of the Neshaminy High School Improvement Plan the high school is working on different areas to assess students earlier in 9th and 10th grades. Target those who are at risk, modify instruction and incorporate different teaching techniques as well as remediation classes for these targeted students. If these students are still not successful in the PSSA testing they are given opportunities to prepare and retake the test. More importantly, the high school is offering students with an IEP an alternative means to satisfy the PSSA requirement.
All in all, this requirement has been put in place to ensure that students are putting their best efforts forward when taking the PSSA testing and we all know that very few high school students are self-motivated enough to challenge themselves with this testing if there is no consequence involved.
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