DetentionSlip.org: tests

VIDEO: Tom Yorke Raps For Education in Indiana

If there is one thing we love more than shaking down the education system, it's teachers rapping about state tests... Brandon Curl, a 7th/8th Grade Science Teacher at Gary Lighthouse Charter School sent us this video.

P.S. Is that Radioheads Thom Yorke at 1:36? You decide...

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If there is one thing we love more than shaking down the education system, it's teachers rapping about state tests... Brandon Curl, a 7th/8th Grade Science Teacher at Gary Lighthouse Charter School sent us this video.<br />
<br />
P.S. Is that Radioheads Thom Yorke at 1:36? You decide...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrF5PSX20rMfxIXcdyV7Ge7mIgY6RqSeG3VgXypYftRyziqLbZzHQqQxpLqklES9tH5LOGr7RPz1w6pYGJJURPoXjCG6NhljN2YoP8gRwB3RO48LjEzB9S_mMoT9paFPVssFV7vQODqEm/s1600-h/thomyorke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrF5PSX20rMfxIXcdyV7Ge7mIgY6RqSeG3VgXypYftRyziqLbZzHQqQxpLqklES9tH5LOGr7RPz1w6pYGJJURPoXjCG6NhljN2YoP8gRwB3RO48LjEzB9S_mMoT9paFPVssFV7vQODqEm/s400/thomyorke.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Detroit parents want teachers jailed over low test scores

Smells Like: grades , law , Michigan , parents , protest , tests

Story: Detroit parents want DPS teachers, officials jailed over low test scores

After learning that some local schools ranked the worst in the nation in math scores, parents responded by demanding the teachers go to jail for their lack of successful results. More sound suggestions might include providing additional training or hiring better qualified teachers, but it's obvious this town wants their teachers burned at the stake. You gotta wonder if they are just taking their frustrations out because the Lions have had so many consecutive losing seasons.

<a href="http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/USmugshots/1003ywilliams.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/USmugshots/1003ywilliams.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 363px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><strong>Story:</strong> <a href="http://www.detnews.com/article/20091212/SCHOOLS/912120373/Detroit-parents-want-DPS-teachers--officials-jailed-over-low-test-scores">Detroit parents want DPS teachers, officials jailed over low test scores</a><br /><br /><div align="justify">After learning that some local schools ranked the worst in the nation in math scores, parents responded by demanding the teachers go to jail for their lack of successful results.  More sound suggestions might include providing additional training or hiring better qualified teachers, but it's obvious this town wants their teachers burned at the stake.  You gotta wonder if they are just taking their frustrations out because the Lions have had so many consecutive losing seasons.</div>

Teacher broke law by posting top test scores

Smells Like: grades , law , Minnesota , privacy , teachers , tests

Story: Teacher broke law by posting top test scores

If you're a teacher in Minnesota, pay close attention. This teacher used a motivational technique he learned by posting the names of the top test scores for everyone to see. In the process he violated the privacy of the students, which is protected under state law. Next time, he should encrypt the message with a code that only the smart students can decipher.

<a href="http://www.corbisimages.com/images/42-20460945.jpg?size=572&uid=BF288253-F513-4DC0-A50B-9E16BBF8FDDA" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.corbisimages.com/images/42-20460945.jpg?size=572&uid=BF288253-F513-4DC0-A50B-9E16BBF8FDDA" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/south/70160782.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUZ">Teacher broke law by posting top test scores</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you're a teacher in Minnesota, pay close attention.  This teacher used a motivational technique he learned by posting the names of the top test scores for everyone to see.  In the process he violated the privacy of the students, which is protected under state law.  Next time, he should encrypt the message with a code that only the smart students can decipher.<br /></div>

Teacher dares student to eat dead fly for good grade

Smells Like: animals , California , grades , health , pranks , teachers , tests

Story: Dead Fly + Dare - 'A' Grade = Angry Student

I didn't know some schools were modeling education reform off of the show Fear Factor. Next time this teacher dares kids to eat dead bugs for an A on a test, maybe he should tell them he was joking before he actually grades the test.

School chief, aide arrested in cheating probe

Smells Like: cheating , Georgia , principal , tests

Story: School chief, aide arrested in cheating probe

The principal did exactly what you are thinking. She erased students answers on a state test and changed them to the correct ones. I wonder how long this little scam has been going on? Now I understand the rationale behind her proposal to nickname her school "The Best School Ever."

Centerburg High School cancels graduation amid cheating scandal

Smells Like: cheating , graduation , Ohio , tests , trouble

Story: Centerburg High School cancels graduation amid cheating scandal

Stop the press! No one walks this carpet until they figure out how more than half of the students got ahold of the answers to one of their exams. In the big picture, this social studies test really means nothing. But the superintendent needs to prove a point that this won't be tolerated. Oh well, I am sure these students have already planned on utilizing these cheating skills in college and aren't too worried about it.

Oklahoma City schools' seating mishap may force retaking of AP tests

Smells Like: Oklahoma , policy , tests

Story: Oklahoma City schools' seating mishap may force retaking of AP tests

384 students might have to retake a test because they didn't sit the right way around the tables. In the future, the state is also considering requiring students to sit with proper posture, hold pencils with only their right hands, ensure the classroom uses nothing above a 60 watt light bulb, and ensure that everyone ate a well-balanced breakfast. These are all very important factors that can affect test scores, and it is important to make rules to enforce them.

<a href="http://www.uwsp.edu/gEo/faculty/ozsvath/top_ten/test%20takers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.uwsp.edu/gEo/faculty/ozsvath/top_ten/test%20takers.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-schools-seating-mishap-may-force-retaking-of-ap-tests/article/3373465?custom_click=headlines_widget">Oklahoma City schools' seating mishap may force retaking of AP tests</a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">384 students might have to retake a test because they didn't sit the right way around the tables. In the future, the state is also considering requiring students to sit with proper posture, hold pencils with <em>only</em> their right hands, ensure the classroom uses nothing above a 60 watt light bulb, and ensure that everyone ate a well-balanced breakfast. These are all very important factors that can affect test scores, and it is important to make rules to enforce them.</div>

Aspiring teachers fall short on math

Smells Like: Massachusetts , teachers , tests

Story: Aspiring teachers fall short on math

They've recently added a math section to the state's licensing exam. 75% of the future teachers failed it. To put that into more simple terms- 3 out of every 4 test-takers don't know how to teach math to elementary and middle school students. This means there is a high probability that schools won't be looking to employ them. You can use mental math on that one.

Kids with ADHD Taking Meds Test Better in School

Smells Like: drugs , k12 , research , tests

Story: Kids with ADHD Taking Meds Do Better in School

This is sure to send shockwaves through all the parents who object to giving their kids meds. But is this research really that surprising? The basic purpose of Ritalin and Adderall is to help children focus more. And isn't the point of public education to get the best test scores? Nevermind inhibiting their creativity or dosing their bodies pull of prescription pills. We need good test-takers!

<div align="justify"><a href="http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/schools/mpjh/counselors/images/C62A06A85840441E9C0AB966A102752C.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/schools/mpjh/counselors/images/C62A06A85840441E9C0AB966A102752C.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Kids_with_ADHD_Taking_Meds_Do_Better_in_School_37228.html">Kids with ADHD Taking Meds Do Better in School</a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">This is sure to send shockwaves through all the parents who object to giving their kids meds. But is this research really that surprising? The basic purpose of Ritalin and Adderall is to help children focus more. And isn't the point of public education to get the best test scores? Nevermind inhibiting their creativity or dosing their bodies pull of prescription pills.  We need good test-takers!</></div></div>

Michigan senior aces ACT, SAT and PSAT

Smells Like: gold star , Michigan , tests

Story: High school senior aces ACT, SAT and PSAT

Though it hasn't been confirmed, we heard she did it with one arm tied behind her back.

Student, 10, cracks Pa. state school test code

Smells Like: computers , Pennsylvania , tests

"I'm a PC, and I'm only ten."

Story: Student, 10, cracks Pa. state school test code

It reminds you how important standarized tests are when a fourth grader is able to hack a code and have the exams mailed out in bulk. Maybe this should serve as a sign that we need to focus less on paper and pencil, and see what 21st century kids can do with computers. Just a thought.

Idaho teacher sells advertising space on tests

Smells Like: budget , Idaho , marketing , teachers , tests

Story: Idaho teacher sells advertising space on tests

We have all received those Coupon Carnival ads in our mail? Well, picture one of those, but with math problems on it. One teacher took it upon himself to create a little revenue by selling pizza ads on his tests. It's undetermined if grades have been impacted, but students are left suspiciously hungry after they complete their exams. Maybe because when it's pop quiz time, they thought they were looking at menus?

Girl, 13, cited for disrupting FCAT

Smells Like: Florida , tests , trouble

Story: Girl, 13, cited for disrupting FCAT

The purpose of standardized tests is to teach children to be as motionless and focused as possible, until each student completes the test. This is a skill that they will need much into their adult lives. Now, I am sure this girl was acting a fool to get attention, but do we really need to involve the local sheriffs?

Students Protest Against English Proficiency Test

Smells Like: Iowa , policy , protest , tests

Story: Students Protest Against English Proficiency Test

She felt her fluency in English was perfect, so was offended that they made her take the test. She and her classmates decided to walk out. I remember pulling a similar stunt while taking the SATs. I felt I was very proficient with my math skills. After seeing the questions, I was insulted so I too walked away from the test. Turns out it costs my parents a few more hundred dollars to re-test because I was completely out of line and proved nothing. It's a state-mandate...suck it up and ace the test.

<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2614136833_3423fde4f5.jpg?v=0"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2614136833_3423fde4f5.jpg?v=0" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kcautv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9962851&nav=1kgl">Students Protest Against English Proficiency Test</a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">She felt her fluency in English was perfect, so was offended that they made her take the test. She and her classmates decided to walk out. I remember pulling a similar stunt while taking the SATs. I felt I was very proficient with my math skills. After seeing the questions, I was insulted so I too walked away from the test. Turns out it costs my parents a few more hundred dollars to re-test because I was completely out of line and proved nothing. It's a state-mandate...suck it up and ace the test.</></div>

Student finds error on state test

Smells Like: idiocy , Kansas , tests

Story: Error on state test slips past everyone -- except East High student

What a geek! No, but really, hopefully this helps defend the argument that standardized tests aren't as effective as everyone wants them to be. In the meantime, would it kill them to have some qualified people proofread these tests?

Are Schools Inflating Grades?

Smells Like: Georgia , grades , research , tests

Story: ARE SCHOOLS INFLATING GRADES? Marks from teachers, test scores vary widely

Basically, Atlanta students can't pass any tests, but they all have awesome grades on their report cards. Rather than waste time playing detective, let DetentionSlip spell it out. Yes, schools are inflating grades. That way they can increase their graduation rates, and not been seen as one of the worst school districts to attend. It's simple. Coincidentally, these are also the same students that will be dropping out of their first semester at college.

<a href="http://e-caremanagement.com/wp-content/uploads/kid_scratching_head.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://e-caremanagement.com/wp-content/uploads/kid_scratching_head.bmp" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/02/08/eoct02081.html">ARE SCHOOLS INFLATING GRADES? Marks from teachers, test scores vary widely</a></div><div> </div><div align="justify">Basically, Atlanta students can't pass any tests, but they all have awesome grades on their report cards.  Rather than waste time playing detective, let DetentionSlip spell it out.  Yes, schools are inflating grades.  That way they can increase their graduation rates, and not been seen as one of the worst school districts to attend.  It's simple.  Coincidentally, these are also the same students that will be dropping out of their first semester at college.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></></div>

NY boy dressed as girl to cheat on exam

Smells Like: cheating , GLBT , New York , sex , tests , weird

Story: NY boy dressed as girl to cheat on exam

This is about as far as you can take it to get out of a test. It's also probably one of the most obvious ways to get caught. Test proctors suspected something fishy when the "girl" started farting and talking about football and lifting weights when the test was over.

Teachers complain about grading policy

Smells Like: grades , Pennsylvania , policy , tests

"I got a 50% for skipping class!"

Story: Complaints lead city schools to fine-tune minimum grade policy

In an effort to record as accurate GPA's as possible, Pittsburgh schools hand out a grade of 50% for any missing or incomplete work. So basically, 0%=50%. You can see why some of the lesser motivated students are perfectly content with that score. I am glad we are teaching kids that by not trying at all, it's pretty much like giving half your effort. That little life skill will come in handy when they enter the job market, and are quickly fired for poor work performace.

<div align="justify"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2235163665_70fb81fac6.jpg?v=0"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2235163665_70fb81fac6.jpg?v=0" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 405px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em> "I got a 50% for skipping class!"</em><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08346/934363-298.stm">Complaints lead city schools to fine-tune minimum grade policy</a></div><br />In an effort to record as accurate GPA's as possible, Pittsburgh schools hand out a grade of 50% for any missing or incomplete work. So basically, 0%=50%. You can see why some of the lesser motivated students are perfectly content with that score. I am glad we are teaching kids that by not trying at all, it's pretty much like giving half your effort. That little life skill will come in handy when they enter the job market, and are quickly fired for poor work performace.</> </div>

School official changed 1000 answers on test

Smells Like: cheating , grades , New York , tests

Story: City Finds Bronx H.S. Cheated On Regents Exam

Schools are so worried about students passing, that kids don't even need to pay attention on their tests. Not when they have the school erasing all the wrong answers at least. Teachers admit that their only other option was displaying the correct answers on the chalk board during the tests, but they figured at least one student would snitch to their parent. Students who actually cheated, now feel like it was a waste of their time.

<a href="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/education/cheating-on-test.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/img/education/cheating-on-test.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 159px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/90016/city-finds-bronx-h-s--cheated-on-regents-exam/Default.aspx"><span id="ctl00_contPlace1_ShowArticleControl_lblArHeadline">City Finds Bronx H.S. Cheated On Regents Exam</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Schools are so worried about students passing, that kids don't even need to pay attention on their tests.  Not when they have the school erasing all the wrong answers at least.  Teachers admit that their only other option was displaying the correct answers on the chalk board during the tests, but they figured at least one student would snitch to their parent.  Students who actually cheated, now feel like it was a waste of their time.<br /></div><span> </span>

GRPS gives failing students an H

Smells Like: grades , Michigan , policy , tests

Story: GRPS gives failing students an H

In an effort to curb the high drop-out rate, one school district decided to eliminate failing grades. Now none of these students will ever be faced with an 'F' on their report card. They can keep taking tests over and over until a better grade is reached. The rest of the country is currently scratching their heads trying to figure out why Michigan students have incredible GPA's all of a sudden and are getting into better colleges.

<a href="http://tm074.k12.sd.us/Pics%20for%20website/Mr_H.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://tm074.k12.sd.us/Pics%20for%20website/Mr_H.gif" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 210px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/GRPS_gives_failing_students_an_H"><span>GRPS gives failing students an H</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In an effort to curb the high drop-out rate, one school district decided to eliminate failing grades.  Now none of these students will ever be faced with an 'F' on their report card.  They can keep taking tests over and over until a better grade is reached.  The rest of the country is currently scratching their heads trying to figure out why Michigan students have incredible GPA's all of a sudden and are getting into better colleges.<br /></div><span> </span>

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