Two out of five Warwick juniors have the potential of not graduating in 2014 due to low scores on the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), a statewide test taken by all 11th graders. Math …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
Two out of five Warwick juniors have the potential of not graduating in 2014 due to low scores on the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), a statewide test taken by all 11th graders. Math scores, in particular, seem to be the problem.
Some students say they think NECAP testing is "stupid," and that it should be "banished" altogether, noting that the high stakes test gives them anxiety.
Also, Vets juniors are yet to learn of their scores. According to Principal Gerry Habershaw, they will be notified of their results sometime next week.
"It's going to cause a great deal of stress on the kids," Habershaw said, noting that he doesn't like the idea of high stakes testing either. "I don't think that any one test is good to restrict a kid from graduating. They put 12 years of work into school, and to say they don't graduate because of one test is not right. Many kids have difficulty in math as it is, and they have difficulty taking standardized tests."
Habershaw went on to say that the test is a bit of a double-edged sword. In fact, he said scores actually went up from last year because educators let students know how vital it is for them to pass, that is, students took it more seriously. Still, students are failing.
Either way, juniors are feeling that stress. Many of them are not fans of NECAP testing.
"I think it sucks," said Ryan Locke, 16. "You shouldn't fail over one stupid test. If I don't graduate, I'm going to be upset."
Darrien Souza, 16, agrees.
"It's pointless," he said.
Andrew Zincone, 16, feels the same. He thinks they already have plenty of requirements to graduate.
"We already have mid-terms, final exams and senior projects," Zincone said. "It should be banished."
Terry DePetrillo, 17, is on the same page.
"I don't like NECAP at all," he said. "It's another obstacle for us to graduate."
And while honor students are confident they passed, they agree that the test should be modified.
"The test should be easier if that many kids aren't passing," Jenna Fontaine, 16, said.
Her friend, Lauren Almonte, 16, shares Fontaine's sentiments.
"Things should be taken into consideration," she said. "If you excel at something, it should help you."
But one student, Jeremy Davenport, 16, disagreed. He said the test isn't difficult, and that if students tried a little bit harder, they wouldn't have a problem.
"If you pay attention in class, you'll pass the NECAP," Davenport said. "It's not hard. You're being lazy if you don't pass it."
However, all is not lost. Going forward, said Habershaw, teachers are working hard to help students who are struggling. Students who earned failing scores will be able to take intermediate math courses during their senior year, as they will be given a chance to re-take the test in October. They will also have students take an Accuplacer Test, a test the Community College of Rhode Island uses to place students in courses.
"If they do well, it can supplant the NECAP," Habershaw said. "A lot of kids don't have the aptitude for math. I think you have to have a certain ability to understand high levels of math, and I think kids get increasingly frustrated when they don't understand it right away."
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
MadInWarwick
Hmmm, maybe our math scores suck so bad because of the "New" math we're teaching our students. Parents are always the scape goat saying we don't want to work with our kids and help them with their homework. I for one am not in that category but when I try to help my child, they quickly get frustrated because I'm doing it wrong. I passed many years of advanced math including Calculus I, II, III and Differential Equations and Linear Algebra in college yet I can't seem to help my 4th grade student with simple math?? Anyone see the problem here? Top it off that the kids never have actual books anymore so if I'm not in the class for the instruction, I have no idea what was taught or said and again I can't help. This has to change!! This is a big reason our math scores are 60 in NECAP testing.
Thursday, February 28, 2013 Report this
Michael2012
No, it is not the parents job to teach the kids higher level math. Each generation in theory should be smarter than the last. Therefore, most parents should not be able to do the math ! I've already done my 17 years of school many years ago I don't need to go back ! This is not to say I won't assist my kids on their homework but I'm certainly not doing it for them !
Furthermore, I see the problem being lack of discipline on the kids parts. Put down the video games, step away from the television sets and the numerous other electronic devices and hit the books. It is simple as that. Kids are whining about tough exams but how many hours are they playing x-box ?? I don't fully blame them. I blame the parents. The parents need to limit this activity to a minimum while they are learning. There will be plenty of time in their lives after they graduate and find a good job to if they choose to become a couch potato.
Look at the Japanese for example and their strict discipline.
This country is lazy, and many want everything handed to them.
What ever happened to a strong work ethic. I encourage everyone to read about the 1920's and 1930's and how difficult it was to live back then. Americans have it so good. Living like Kings and Queens.
Thursday, February 28, 2013 Report this