Parent mis-information night

So tonight I went to a CSAP parent information night at an elementary school in D6.  This school receives Title 1 funding and so a state sponsored "parent facilitator" was on hand to give basic information on CSAP, collect parent signatures(why??), and then turned the presentation over to a teacher at the school.   I have to say, I was concerned by what this teacher was telling parents.  Some highlights:

• the tests are timed, so parents may want to time their children at home doing homework or chores to get used to CSAP


• techniques to help your child "de-stress" at school and home as a result of the testing


• CSAP scores stay with your child through high school and may determine their placement in classes


• the importance of a high protein breakfast to sustain your child through the grueling testing process.  No breaks, they're going to need it!


• If a child completes the test and has even as much as 30 minutes to spare, she must put her head on the desk.  No using the bathroom, even in an emergency.


• CSAP scores hold principals, teachers, and students(!) accountable.

First of all, if "de-stressing" techniques must be employed, that might be a red flag that something is not quite right.  These are elementary students!

If students really are being placed in ability groups based on CSAP scores, that is plain wrong.  I hope that this is not accurate, but who knows?

On the accountability...maybe, possibly, if I thought CSAP was a good thing, I could see holding teachers and principals accountable for scores.  I absolutely do not, by the way.  But the kids?  Come on!  How is this one, apparently very stressful test(see de-stressing above), going to give an accurate picture of what a student knows?  Please.

What's even more distressing is this:   It was held at a Title 1 school.  Half of the parents attending did not speak English.  A Title 1 school has a higher population of students living in poverty.  The parents attending, English speakers or not, are not the parents who know how the school system works.  They do not have the experience, time, or ability to delve into the inner workings of education.  They don't know how to work the system, so to speak.  They trust that schools are doing the best thing for their kids.  And I feel like they were intentionally mislead.  I wonder how many walked away thinking CSAP is more important than it actually is.  That it will mean something to their kids or help them later in life.  It won't.  The state and our district has taken advantage of these parents.  If there was a presentation like this at one of the higher income schools, you can bet that parents attending would have some serious questions about CSAP.   As far as I know, the higher income schools don't have CSAP information nights, not like this anyway.  I wonder why?

Also noteworthy:  the teacher did not let parents know that CSAP scores dictate how much recess their kids get or the way it shapes the curriculum.

But all hope is not lost!  I, and devoted children's advocate, Conny Jensen, were there to hand out flyers about an upcoming CSAP presentation by Angela Engel.  Hopefully, they will come.  You should, too!   From the flyer:

What’s the big deal about CSAP?  It’s just a test, right?  Well, there may be more to the story…

Where do the tests go to be graded and by whom?   Where does the CSAP come from and how much does it cost to administer these tests?    What information do the tests actually reveal?   How do CSAP scores shape education and instruction in schools?  Does the emphasis on standardized testing really help our schools improve?

Please join us to find out more about CSAP and why it may not be the best way to evaluate our schools.  Denver author Angela Engel, Seeds of Tomorrow, Solutions for Improving Our Children’s Education, will give a presentation on these questions and more.  Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 13^th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Centennial Park library.  There is no cost to attend and all are welcome.

Angela Engel is a parent and advocate for children, families, and public education.  She was a teacher and administrator for Douglas County Schools.  Her work with state legislators has led to policies that improve learning and opportunities for Colorado children.  She recently co-founded Uniting 4 Kids, a national organization whose mission it is to unite the capabilities of teachers, parents, and students.