It’s ITBS and HSGT time! That’s the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the High School Graduation Test for those of you that haven’t learned the abbreviations yet. With the new education reform act, it’s very important to all of us teachers that our students score above average, or at least better than the other schools in our area, lest we be blamed, and maybe fired for our "lack" of success. Our fine legislators and governor have ignored the statistical facts that no matter the average, half of all the test takers will fall below that mean. Does this mean that if several of my students that in the past have tested in the 1^st percentile (99% of students tested better than they did), now score in the 2^nd percentile (a doubling of their standing) that I’m to be judged a failure? To me, they’ve improved 100%. They’ve doubled their score. But, sadly they will still rank below 98% of the other students. What a ridiculous way to judge instruction. Sadly, it might be the only way that counts now. I feel very satisfied and comfortable to do the best I possibly can, given what I have to work with. What more could one expect?

I’ve talked with several 9^th graders from various schools in the area about these standardized tests. Many of them (maybe 20-30 percent, my guess) "Christmas tree" their answer sheets, which means they mark answers without regard to the pertaining questions. They’re bored with these tests. They see no benefit in working hard to answer to the best of their ability. It just doesn’t matter to them. With the increasing pressure on teachers and school systems for improvements in scores, the challenge of motivating these youngsters is paramount. Suggestions anyone?

As a teacher, sometimes I feel like I’m getting a little more paranoid each year. We seem to be under attack everywhere, with little recognition that the major problems just might be something, or somewhere else. I enjoyed a recent e-mail from my 1^st cousin, a teacher in Ohio, which shows that problems are everywhere, even in those states that traditionally score much higher than Georgia. She writes, "I am having a terrible year at school - I've dubbed our new principal Cruella DeVille. She rules with the philosophy that if there is anything wrong with our school, it must be the teachers' fault. She has one year's experience as a principal of a school of 500 students and is trying to administrate our school of 2300 students. She came with the new superintendent - a package - they even live in adjoining condos - hum?! So we really have no recourse. My students are wonderful this year, thank goodness - but it is the first time that I have had to force myself to enter school with a positive attitude."

Whatever, we’re doing the best we can. We need your support and suggestions. Visit a school and see what’s happening. Sign-up as a substitute teacher. Vote in the next election. The answers to our educational problems are not as complex as our governor makes them out to be, but our legislators bought his spiel, the whole can of worms, hook, line, and sinker. You can do better than they did! Until next week, keep smiling! tomiswho@mindspring.com