Q: Sometimes I think that I’m more nervous about all of the tests my children are forced to take than they are. Between state tests and end-of-the-year tests, how can they not feel anxious? I’m a wreck too. What should I do?
A: First of all, you must relax. If you’re nervous, your children will be anxious too. Talk to them calmly, explaining that while they should do the best they can, they aren’t the sum of their test scores, and any test is just a snapshot. Second, remind them to follow directions. Some tests penalize students for guessing, and some don’t. Students should know what’s expected of them before they begin a test. Finally, make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before a test and eats a good breakfast.
Please be assured that you’re not alone in your concern about all of the standardized tests students must take nowadays. You’ll be interested to know that the National Education Association (NEA) has thrown its support behind a resolution calling on federal and state policymakers to reduce standardized test mandates, and to base school accountability on multiple forms of evaluation that will support students and improve schools.
Other supporters include: Parents Across America, the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The resolution’s signers have joined with public education advocates Diane Ravitch and Deborah Meier to call upon state officials to “reexamine school accountability,” and to develop an evaluation system that reflects the “broad range” of how students learn rather than mandating extensive standardized testing. Click here for the full text of the resolution.
Q: There have been several reports of lockdowns in Long Island schools recently. How do I know that my child’s safe at school, and what safety procedures the school has in place?
A: All schools are required to have comprehensive safety plans in place. As a parent, it’s your right to ask the following questions:
- How does your school communicate with parents in case of a lockdown or safety situation?
- Is all staff familiar with safety plans, and know what to do if there’s a threat to safety?
- Do your district and school administrators have ongoing contact with their local police and fire departments?
- Do parents have access to reports that include information about the number of violent or other unsafe incidents at the school?
- Does your school have ways to prevent as well as to respond to crises?
- Are students taught conflict resolution skills?
- How is school safety promoted in your school?
- Are school facilities safe and free of hazards?
- Does your school or district have a Safety Committee?
- Does your child know how to protect his or her personal safety and what to do if he or she is threatened?
Q: There’s a discussion among parents in my school about giving end-of-the year gifts to teachers. I see teacher mugs and picture frames displayed in stores already. Is it necessary to give my child’s teacher an end-of-the-year gift?
A: Some parents like to show their appreciation to teachers at the end of the school year, but how many mugs or picture frames can a teacher have? There are some schools that ask parents to refrain from giving teachers gifts and instead suggest they honor their teachers with a contribution to any number of worthwhile causes. In this way, families can contribute what they are able to afford – or not at all if they are strapped – and the gift is from the entire class.
Here are some ideas:
- A gift card to a supermarket or department store for a needy family in honor of the teacher
- A class collection of non-perishable food items for a local food pantry in honor of the teacher
- A donation to a charity in honor of the teacher
- A beautiful letter, expressing appreciation for the wonderful year your child has had in the teacher’s class.
Meryl Ain, Ed.D., began her career as a social studies teacher at Schreiber High School in Port Washington and recently retired as a central office administrator from the Smithtown School District. Her broad experience encompasses every aspect of schools. Through her extensive work with parents and PTA groups, Meryl has a profound understanding of the key role parents play not only in their own children’s education, but also in determining the quality of the schools they attend. Meryl’s blog, Your Education Doctor (www.youreducationdoctor.wordpress.com), seeks to empower parents to become better advocates for their children and more effective partners with their schoos. Her articles have appeared in local and national media, including The Huffington Post and Newsday .
Meryl has three married sons and three grandchildren. Follow her on Twitter (@DrMerylAin).
