\doc\web\98\06\stevep.txt
From:             "Steve Pohlman" <beckypohl@email.msn.com>
Subject:          Re: Teacher unhappy about 10th Grade Assessement/EALRs
Date sent:        Sun, 10 May 1998 20:48:27 -0700


It's nice to have the perspective of a math teacher that corresponds with
mine.  But here again I will relate how this whole EALR movement will
progress, not disappear:


I serve on the Fairness Committee for the new tests and have had a chance to
see most of the questions at each level.  I believe that the 4th grade test
is way too hard for 4th graders (say at the 6th grade level).  The 7th grade
test is also too hard, but not as hard (say the 8th grade level).  Finally,
the 10th grade test is too easy (maybe the 8th or 9th grade level).  As the
students move through the grades, a greater percentage of them will meet the
standard.  This will give the appearance of improvement which will justify
more money and effort and bureaucracies.


I believe all decisions will be based upon the results of the first 4th
grade class that took the tests and how they do on the 7th and 10th grade
tests.  I hope I am wrong.


Steve Pohlman
beckypohl@msn.com