Rochester Tests Regents

Rochester Tests Regents <!--break--> (May 31, 2003) Teacher and Green Party candidate for School Board Dave Atias invited members of the community interested in quality education to test the New York State Regents by taking the exam. A group of about 20 gathered at the School Without Walls this morning took the Regents in several subjects. (This Indymedia reporter attended and took the English exam.) After an hour of testing Atias facilitated a discussion seeking reactions from test subjects. There were comments about the exam being more a measure of the students&#8217; ability to follow directions and give answers the test writers were looking for, even if they were wrong. The group further discussed the dangers of high-stakes standardized testing and its burden on teachers as well as students. There were also comments on the political agenda evidenced in the No Child Left Behind Act and the faith based initiative driven by the moralist lobby which could lead to mandatory school prayer. Representatives from area alternative schools addressed the group with examples of successful models for learning. Green Party officers were present to speak with participants and provide fact sheets on the issues. In the tradition of the inspiring, dedicated teacher Atias led the discussion raising the significant questions. He listened with interest to the responses and made sure everyone who wanted to speak got the chance. Atias stated that he intends to test the Regents in a similar forum next year. Upcoming Green Party events include a special meeting on the Patriot Act on Monday, June 9 at 7:00pm at 179 Atlantic Ave. and a fundraiser at the Bug Jar on June 17.

<p>Rochester Tests Regents</p> <!--break--><p> (May 31, 2003) Teacher and Green Party candidate for School Board Dave Atias invited members of the community interested in quality education to test the New York State Regents by taking the exam. A group of about 20 gathered at the School Without Walls this morning took the Regents in several subjects. (This Indymedia reporter attended and took the English exam.)</p> <p>After an hour of testing Atias facilitated a discussion seeking reactions from test subjects. There were comments about the exam being more a measure of the students’ ability to follow directions and give answers the test writers were looking for, even if they were wrong. The group further discussed the dangers of high-stakes standardized testing and its burden on teachers as well as students. There were also comments on the political agenda evidenced in the No Child Left Behind Act and the faith based initiative driven by the moralist lobby which could lead to mandatory school prayer.</p> <p>Representatives from area alternative schools addressed the group with examples of successful models for learning. Green Party officers were present to speak with participants and provide fact sheets on the issues.</p> <p>In the tradition of the inspiring, dedicated teacher Atias led the discussion raising the significant questions. He listened with interest to the responses and made sure everyone who wanted to speak got the chance. </p> <p>Atias stated that he intends to test the Regents in a similar forum next year.</p> <p>Upcoming Green Party events include a special meeting on the Patriot Act on Monday, June 9 at 7:00pm at 179 Atlantic Ave. and a fundraiser at the Bug Jar on June 17.</p>