Exploring the No Child Left Behind Act
This project is a group literature circle analyzing Diane Ravtich's text The Death and Life of the Great American School System, which addresses the intricacies of the No Child Left Behind Act. Our assignment was to present our analysis to the rest of the class in an interactive way. We decided to split the class into four groups and assign each a state (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio). Each group would receive a handout describing the requirements for annual state testing. Each group would then receive a group test handout on varying pieces of information asked on previous years' tests. Groups will be given a time limit and will complete and hand in the test. The groups will each receive a grading in front of the rest of the class after their (subjective) score is given (A though D) on the No Child Left Behind scale. These grades will vary based on effort, percentage correct, key groups within the testers, and ultimately, the meaning in the achievement will have been lost. At this time, the class engages in discussion about the validity of such testing standards, variations, and funding.
Ohio Group:
Ohio, you need to seriously shape up your test scores on this year’s achievement test. Even though the state has decreased expectations for the scoring and overall student understanding, you have to hit at least a 15% improvement from last year’s scores to keep this school from shutting down. Your funding will be based on any improvement that is present and your score (A though E) will depend on the outcome of this test as well.
Best of luck!
Michigan Group:
Michigan, you did an excellent job on last year’s achievement tests! Not only did you score an A district wide, but you also received extra funding to devote to improving school programs which were struggling. You also had enough funding to give your teachers a slight raise. Just as last year, your scores on this achievement test dictate your funding.
Best of luck!
Illinois Group:
Illinois, your schools were well on their way to more funding from last year’s scores. Your students are consistently high testers and are deeply benefiting from your “test taking strategy” classes. If your students improve by 4% from last years scores you will be guaranteed an A rating and continue to receive bonus funding from the scores.
Best of luck!
Indiana Group:
Indiana, your schools’ test scores fell last year from previous testing years and you ended up on the “bottom of the barrel” list. This is not good! Not only are you at risk for shut down after another year of bad testing, but you could also really use the funding dollars to supplement the educational resources available to students for studying and test preparation. Your annual grade of the achievement test (A through E) dictate your funding.
Best of luck!
Ohio Group:
Ohio, you need to seriously shape up your test scores on this year’s achievement test. Even though the state has decreased expectations for the scoring and overall student understanding, you have to hit at least a 15% improvement from last year’s scores to keep this school from shutting down. Your funding will be based on any improvement that is present and your score (A though E) will depend on the outcome of this test as well.
Best of luck!
Michigan Group:
Michigan, you did an excellent job on last year’s achievement tests! Not only did you score an A district wide, but you also received extra funding to devote to improving school programs which were struggling. You also had enough funding to give your teachers a slight raise. Just as last year, your scores on this achievement test dictate your funding.
Best of luck!
Illinois Group:
Illinois, your schools were well on their way to more funding from last year’s scores. Your students are consistently high testers and are deeply benefiting from your “test taking strategy” classes. If your students improve by 4% from last years scores you will be guaranteed an A rating and continue to receive bonus funding from the scores.
Best of luck!
Indiana Group:
Indiana, your schools’ test scores fell last year from previous testing years and you ended up on the “bottom of the barrel” list. This is not good! Not only are you at risk for shut down after another year of bad testing, but you could also really use the funding dollars to supplement the educational resources available to students for studying and test preparation. Your annual grade of the achievement test (A through E) dictate your funding.
Best of luck!