Chicago pushing Zombie ISAT testing program like a bad movie despite growing Opt Out by parents and students... CPS urges ISAT 'URGENCY' while some CPS administrators and 'Chiefs" push ISAT pep rallies as Chicago testing season begins
Someone with better artistic skills than we have currently at Substance should do the cartoon. A bunch of cheerleaders cheering on a corpse, kind of new wrinkle on the Zombie fad. As everyone in Illinois knows, the ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Tests) program is being phased out this year. In other words, the test is a corpse, rotting in front of everyone. But like a Zombie movie, Chicago Public Schools is directing principals to force teachers to administer the test and children to take the tests.
Chicago Public Schools, the nation's third largest schools system, is ordering its principals to hold pep rallies for the Zombie ISAT test. In an escalation of the pressure on principals and teachers prior to the administration of the now-defunct ISAT testing program, the administration of Barbara Byrd Bennett, the current "Chief Executive Officer" of the nation's third largest school system, is ordering principals to treat the ISAT with a "sense of URGENCY" (all caps in original) to hold pep rallies to get students emotionally ready for the ISAT. Even though the ISAT is being phased out this year and is not being used for any CPS consequences.
A February 18, 2014 memo from the CPS administration follows:
Date: Tue, Feb 18, 2014 (morning). Subject: ISAT
Dear Principals,
ISAT testing is nearing and we want to ensure that there is a SENSE OF URGENCY and that your focus remains steadfast for the success of ALL children. Although changes are coming, remember that ISAT is still part of AYP. Additionally, ISAT is still the assessment that parents reference and recognize.
Principals MUST in-service all staff on testing protocols. This should include a separate meeting for support staff so they understand the importance and the necessity for flexibility during this time. All schools must have a testing schedule which includes proctor assignments (2 per room), break schedule, and test security protocols for distribution to staff and a copy to the Network Office.
The following suggestions are STRONGLY encouraged:
-- *ONE test per day--students stay focused
-- *Do not test on Mondays
*Build in time for make-up testing
*ISAT Student Rally
Consider incentives for perfect attendance.
Network chiefs have been rumored to be eyeing the acquisition of professionals to lead the ISAT pep rallies, but Substance has yet to confirm that rumor. Even so, the "Chiefs" (some of whom have never taught in Chicago, but know Power Point and how to prattle forever about "bottom lines" and "matrices") are urging principals and teachers to hold pep rallies for ISAT, the Zombie testing program of Illinois euducrats.Consider a parent meeting to focus on ISAT and how parents can support their children
Students should use ALL time allotted for testing.
Proctors are to monitor and move around the room to ensure students are taking the appropriate test and and remaining focused. At no time should proctors be using ANY electronic device, conversing with other adults, or sitting at their desk. Please ensure that we consider the best possible testing conditions for our children. Greet them. Encourage them. Have peppermints/water for students.
Emphasize the need for rest prior to testing.
