quote:
5.NF.4.a Interpret the product (a/b) × q as a parts of a partition of q into b equal parts; equivalently, as the result of a sequence of operations a × q ÷ b. For example, use a visual fraction model to show (2/3) × 4 = 8/3, and create a story context for this equation. Do the same with (2/3) × (4/5) = 8/15. (In general, (a/b) × (c/d) = ac/bd.)

To me you could have just set the standard: Know how to multiply fractions.
They tried to do something like this in Florida when I was in grade school. They had Sunshine State Standards and the teachers would have to go through and post all of the standards they are covering on the wall. Us students just ignored them and I never had a problem with FCAT. I don't understand the need to follow these standards verbatim. If you have competent teachers (a big if sometimes) they should have the training to teach and cover very generalized standards.

You probably have a good perspective as a teacher. Are you opposed to standardized testing, or is it more of the way they put restrictions to guide you. I guess another way to put it is: Do you feel like you have to "teach to the test"?

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Posted by skeeter531

Member since Jun 2014

2487 posts

Posted on 12/4/14 at 5:29 pm to NeathOrangeandBlue

I don't think all standardized testing is a bad idea. Heck, even when I was a kid we took the Iowa Skills Test every year. But I am very much against the way "THE TEST" permeates EVERYTHING we do now. Until last year I never felt that I was forced to 'teach to the test', but now we all do. Initially (after Common Core was adopted) the tests were going to be administered FOUR times per year. They have since reduced it to twice per year, but over several days each time. That's a lot of time spent testing, NOT learning. And we have to go on the PARCC website and do practice tests throughout the year. Just learning how to navigate the website for the test requires many hours of teaching. For instance, you have to teach them how to find and manipulate a "virtual protractor" among many other things.

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