This year has been a huge push to analyze student testing data. Every month we gather in a backroom behind the stage with other teachers of the same subject and look at test scores. We discuss why the students aren’t progressing, and we’re asked what we are going to do to change things.
Can we change the students?
Each year, I have seen the decline in student success. I’ve seen apathy where grades and tests are concerned, even those in the classroom. I do not need to analyze test data to tell me where a student’s weakness is. I can walk into my classroom and see it.
I have students with no pencils or paper, just phones. I have students who would rather sit and eat (chips, candy, etc) rather than participate in class. Students whose only obsession is to try and find a website of games that we can’t block.
Why must I peruse through data while I know that these students lack both the extrinsic and intrinsic motivation needed to be successful?
We have tried to have more celebrations and rewards, but those same students are just not thrilled about it. At this point, I’m not certain what will.
