Big Ideas
Were the questions on the MSA "high-level", "low-level" or appropriate?
(Chapter 15)
High-level
How long did the observer stay in each classroom?
20 Minutes
What is one reason the speaker at the beginging of the chapter did not agree with the MSA?
Too broad
No clear discriptions of what is assessed
Does not explain results well
What did Alia want to be before she became a teacher?
A mariene biologist
"You carry out the programs and policy of the Anne Audrel County Public Schools-that's your job."
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What did we learn from the story about Nikki and Tina?
(End of 17)
Even if teachers are highly qualified strict teaching standards can keep them from getting hired
What was the name of the observer and where did she come from?
Jackie Brown, California
Why do teachers hate being judged based on the MSA
The scores are out of their control since most questions are not based on what is learned in the classroom
What does Alia say is the myth of all new teachers coming to a Title 1 school?
That they're going to help all the children
"the only way to win is to engage in activities that are not good for children"
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What is true of Title 1 schools and the hiring process?
It is difficult but happens often
Is reading out loud viewed as a positive or negative in the reading?
Negative
Why did teachers complaints get ignored when they asked to stop being assessed by their students MSA scores?
Higher ups would say they want to do less work for more pay.
What were some reasons turn over rates were high at Tyler Heights?
Kids behavior
The teacher felt the administrators were too strict without really knowing the classrooms
A dentist whoes effectivness was being measured by the number of cavaties their patient had
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How does the MSA effect teacher ratings?
Ratings depened on MSA
What percent of the five minute segments included low-level questioning?
70%
What did techers say was the "linchpin" of the MSA?
That the test were fair and accurate
What were some reasons that hiring was difficult at Tyler Hieghts and what did they do to combat this issue?
Hiring was difficult because of the reputation of the school, a lack of teachers who were minorities, and stict teaching standads implamented by the government.
Attempted to help solve this through monitary gain
"Our kids wouldn't know who bush was...but they could tell you about the authors purpose"
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What is the number one rule at Tyler Heights?
Respect Self
Did test scores increase faster for white or black children?
White Children
Since there is almost no white kids at Tyler Heights, what did their school not really have?
An Achievement Gap
What was the test called that Nikki had to take in order to be hired?
K-6 Praxis II
"Some people out there are selling snake oil."
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