Merit Pay Did Not Raise Test Scores-Hmmm.

[deedee]

Originally Posted by Sarge
BTW, at my school, we stopped teaching science and social studies in grades K-3 because those grades don't get tested in those subjects.

As a social studies teacher that horrifies me! I agree with what everyone has posted about the importance of these subjects! The students have enough trouble grasping major historical information but if they are not introduced to the fundamentals at an early age (just as in math or reading) it is harder for the student to be at grade level!

[KinderCowgirl]

Originally Posted by rachaelski

As far as merit-based pay goes, it needs to be more than just test scores. I worked at a school where our raises were based on merit during the previous school year. Yes, test scores were a part of pay raise, but not the whole thing AND it was based on student growth NOT pass/fail scores.

Well, you know I agree with that. We test in Kinder but not until January - so there's an after score, but no before. Early childhood teachers typically are left out of such programs. This one was a grant that we had to write in ourselves what the measures would be-and yes, it was based on progress. However, the percentage of progress was pretty unreasonable, I want to say it was 90%. I also think other factors should be taken into consideration when calculating merit pay-I don't think it will ever happen though because that would mean much more paperwork and time spent with observations, etc.

I agree with you Knitter, how can reading about a Science experiment be effective? I love teaching Science to my kids-you can blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda and you would have thought I made the Statue of Liberty disappear by the gasps in the room. It's exciting for them all right!

[TeacherGroupie]

I believe that science and social studies could (and should) be incorporated into literacy instruction... but I also believe that that only works if the science and social studies materials are authentic.

[knitter63]

Originally Posted by TeacherGroupie

I believe that science and social studies could (and should) be incorporated into literacy instruction... but I also believe that that only works if the science and social studies materials are authentic.

Incorporated, yes. It is great reinforcement. But to forgo teaching Science and Social Studies to simply read and write about it is not enough. We are using authentic materials, and our scores have gone down consistently in the past three years.

[TeacherGroupie]

Yup, knitter. The reinforcement cuts both ways - but only if the instruction reinforces the connections.