FCAT smeF-CAT

Cali was in tears this morning over taking the FCAT. The school hyped up the test all week and this was the result. 

 Here is the letter I sent to her teacher and principal this morning...too harsh?:

I am a little concerned over the pressure that is being applied to these sweet little third graders at school over the FCAT. I have been told that the school gets funding based on how many children pass the test - I am not sure if this is true or not...but it seems that the "hype" at school has caused my perfectly intelligent, good testing-taking child to feel that she is somehow not "ready" to take the FCAT and that her whole life "depends" on how she does on this one test. She was literally in tears this morning because of the pressure. She will of course be fine, I have no doubt, and I shared this thought with her, but and perhaps I should write that BUT this test will NOT determine anything significant in HER life and she should not be made to understand that it will.

I assured her that if she did her best, that is all that I would ever want from her - whether that means that she passes or fails is of no consequence to me. Again, I assured her of her intelligence and skill at test-taking, BUT...yes, BUT once again - a child of her age should never be led to believe that this test could make or break her!

I have older children that have gotten perfect scores on the CAT (while living in California), I believe Cali capable of the same - I do not however, agree with the "hype" and the emphasis and the pressure that is put on these children to achieve. I feel that subjecting them to this kind of pressure is counter-productive to them doing well. This sweet little girl is so nervous that it brought her to tears! I am sorry, my friends, but a test, a standardized test, should never be allowed to bring my sweet child to tears.

I understand the importance of this test to the schools. I understand that teachers are put under great pressure to produce results - and that perhaps this has also brought you to tears. It is unacceptable that the pressure given at school (because it certainly was not given at home) should bring my daughter to tears.

I would like to emphasize that I believe she will test well, but if pressure continues I will have no other option but to opt her out of taking the test. This kind of pressure on a 9 year old child is unacceptable. Please let me know the best course of action to ensure the emotional heath of my child is not further damaged.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

The principal called and talked to me later in the day.  He explained that they really try hard to help the kids relax the week before FCATs instead of cramming - they had a teacher minute to win it rally, each class had their own relaxation technique the Friday before - Cali's class had a spa day...I told him it all sounded like a bunch of hype.  He took objection to that - said his fellow principals all made their schools cram the last week and that they thought he was crazy, talked about how the try to integrate the 7 habits into their FCAT studies.  Here is my point though, if all of this "relaxation" is done in the name of FCAT then isn't all just hype? The principal agreed that no matter what we call it, the FCAT build up should not produce tears from my child.  He said he would ask her teacher to speak to her to see what was going on.

I will say that Cali's teacher did speak to her in class.  She asked her if she was a little stressed this morning before school? Cali said that she was a little bit (she wondered how her teacher knew).  Her teacher said that because Cali was a little stressed it stressed her mom out a little too. She assured Cali that there was nothing to worry about and that she would do great! I appreciate that she handled that situation the way that she did. Perhaps she is right that Cali stressing out stressed me out.  I know alot of times I react instead of thinking it through and then acting.  The thing that perhaps triggered my reaction so fast was the other schools that I have dealt with in the past - namely when I was in Blythe.  They took CAT testing to a whole new level and I suppose I was still on defense from that...

Here is what I wrote to Cali's teacher:

I wanted to email you and thank you for speaking with Cali yesterday after testing.  I think that you were right in telling her that because she was upset and stressed it also made me upset and stressed.  I appreciate the way that you handled the situation and I also appreciate your efforts as Cali's teacher.  Cali started off at Harmony a little different than I would have expected, she seemed timid and a little afraid of making new friends which frankly caught me off guard as she has never been so reserved socially.  It seems that you have given her the time and patience to find her place in your class and she is back to her old fun-loving, sunshiny self.  Thank you for all that you do as her teacher, mentor and friend.  She adores you.

Here is what I wrote to the principal:

Although I still feel that a lot of what schools do to prepare for the FCAT is "hype" (this is my word here) - I can see the point of view of the school that you were attempting to help the kids relax.  I just wonder if it comes off as build up, build up, build up and that might be where some of the pressure comes from.  I believe that Cali, after a week of fun and relaxation starting thinking...well, why did we take a whole week to relax, is it really that big of a deal? And then the worrying and fussing really set in.  I think that now that she has taken the first part and has realized that its really not that big of a deal, meaning that she already knows most of the answers - she has finally relaxed. I can see the difference in her countenance that she knows that she can do this.  She is a bright, enthusiastic learner and that is all that she needs to know going in - that is really all she has needed the whole time.

I guess I miss the days when I was growing up in Ohio.  We had standardized testing, it, I am sure, had an impact on the schools, but it was just something we did.  There was no fuss, no pep rally's and pretesting, no practicing how to write an essay for the FCAT or at least not mentioned as we were learning how to write an essay.  The testing came and went as part of our schooling and was never really brought to the attention of the student as anything spectacular or critical but just a part of our regular schooling.  This is why I call things I see in schools across the country as 'hype'. Believe me it is happening in Utah and California our most current resident states as well.  Just the fact that we have to bring the 'relaxation' to the forefront of the kids minds and make it a big deal that we are 'relaxing' for FCATs is where I think things are going wrong.  If you want to give them the week off before FCATs then do it - but don't make such a big fuss over it.  Otherwise it will have been for naught.

Thanks for your time and consideration on this important matter.  I know that you are doing your best to try and balance what is a very difficult situation for the kids, the school, and the administration.  I wish you the very best in your endeavors and will try and relax a little myself.  My ultimate goal is to help the school to be my partner in teaching my children and helping them to grow. I hope that you see that my concern comes from my ultimate goal of teaching and raising them to the best of my ability.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I honestly think that some of my reaction comes from the bad experiences that I had with CAT testing in Blythe, CA.  It was horrible.  In fact, if you read back through my blog you may find my rants about that time - and believe me this experience doesn't even touch how horrible it was then....

Technology is so cool

Did you know that as I watch the kids getting ready for school I can blog right from my iPhone? That is so cool right? Also Cali forgot her homework at my mom's house so she scanned it in and emailed it. I saved the attachments as pictures and printed them directly from...yep, my iPhone. I haven't moved an inch. I printed wirelessly from my iPhone and Cali ran into the office and got the printouts. And when Mac says there is an app for that! They are right! There are games of course but oh, so much more.
I have a fitness app to track my weight, calories and exercise (I have lost 10#'s), a zillow app which helps me locate potential houses for sale "nearby" my current location, a time card app to track my real estate hours, my social apps including this one from which I blog, reading apps, maps and GPS, picturing taking and editing apps, school apps for college (I go to WGU), educational apps for helping kids with anything from math to sight words, and banking apps to keep tabs on my finances - to name just a few!
But if that weren't enough the church is keeping up with the times as well with a gospel library with access to everything on lds.org, LDS tools which is my ward and stake directories right on my phone, LDS youth with inspirational messages for youth and access to the Strength of youth pamphlet, hymns which gives you searchable hymns and shows words or full sheet music, Mormon messages for awesome missionary moments or inspiration on the go, scripture mastery to help kids (and parents) memorize scriptures - those are just the official ones! Oh and heaven forbid I forget my new favorite addiction (that I gave up pinterest for, for lent) indexing! I have been indexing so much that Cali asked me the other day if SHE could try the "name game". :)
So this has been a public service announcement that technology is your friend. Get it, live it, love it. ;)

Sunday Afternoon Conference

We are fed and ready for another great session of conference.  Hopefully I didn't feed them too much or they will all be asleep! I struggle thinking that it wouldn't be a bad thing for me....but naw, I would rather have them awake I suppose! ;)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf is conducting.  You gotta love him.  I wonder if my brother gets fed and gets to have a nap between sessions...I will have to ask him.  :) Woohoo! Just saw Josh in the first hymn. haha, the kids always love to play "Spot Josh" during conference.

This is not from conference but can you "Spot Josh"?







Good times, good times....

Awesome - zeroed in right on Josh!!! Woot, woot!

L. Tom Perry


spoke of Scott - a young man (could be relative) with a great conviction - (reminds me a little bit of Nephi - courageous and wonders why everyone does not have the same conviction.)
May we have the boldness of Scott - (or nephi)
Tender Mercies - How the Book of Mormon delivers us by teaching a pure and most correct way, the doctrine of Christ
There are many stories of deliverance throughout the BofM
Mosiah 20 King Limhi - nephites are in bondage to lamanites
21:15 the Lords response to the cries of the Nephites
The Lord was slow to hear their cries because of their iniquities
The people of Alma - peaceful, more righteous, humbled themselves even before tribulations - they were delivered quickly.
What can we learn from the difference?
The atonement gives us an escape from physical death and spiritual death if we utilize it.
The world is challenging the long standing beliefs and writings of the gospel.  They say that these things are out of date.
Why is it important for the world to have the bible and the book of mormon?
1 Nephi 13 - the plain and precious things will be made know to all kindred, tongues and people
We need both to teach and learn the doctrine of Christ - one does not diminish the other but provides another witness
When used together they confound false doctrine
How will we position our tent in life?
King Benjamin instructs his people to position their tent towards the temple. (My kids got excited over this as they sat in their home-made conference tent)

M. Russell Ballad
 
liahona - modern day device of curious workmanship - feels the same about GPS
We have a tool that is better than any GPS - we all lose our way, and the Holy Ghost can guide us back and the atonement can put us on the right path
Happiness = Family
there is no service greater than that which promotes family life
There is a growing disregard for Marriage - births occur more than 50% outside of marriage and nearly half that get married get divorced
prosperity and education have a higher likelihood of having a family
we know that as families are strengthened they are blessed.
If we devote ourselves to our families we will improve in all other aspects of our lives.
This is not easy in a world where hearts are going in so many different directions.
Things shift and move - wrong as right/right as wrong - evil becomes deceptive and subtle.
We may be small in number but we can reach across the gaps - we know the power of Christ centered service - that brings people together.
The Lord uses the church to bring his children together to the protecting power of the gospel.
The hearts of the fathers to the children and reverse.
The church is an example of heart turning - those who are active, temple married the divorce rate is less than that of the world.
Life is better and much happier as hearts turn towards family.
What can we do to not become lost?
Prioritize - put outside things after inside priorities - no other success can compensate for failure in the home. Prayer, scripture and family activity are priorities!
Do things in the right order - marriage and then family! Do not lose sight of the responsibility of raising a family.
Husbands and wives should be equal partners in marriage - read the proclamation on the family - know our duties.
Learn at home to love God and ask him for the help that we need.
Use the family resources of the church - draw upon the help of the ward.  Take full advantage of the youth and family programs
The church is the scaffolding in which we build eternal families
Correct your course if you have lost your way!
Jesus wants us to know that none of us will ever be so lost that we cannot find a way back.
You will have a spiritual GPS to tell you where you are and where you are going.

O. Vincent Haleck
Member of the Seventy

Sent him to America to go to school - away from his parents in Samoa.  His mother and father fasted and prayed weekly for their children who were away at school.
How do we do those things that bring us closer to the Savior?
We need a vision of ourselves as the Savior sees us.
 Scriptures have examples of those that "caught the vision" of the gospel.
Service is our responsibility - as we are God's hands here on the earth.
The Holy Ghost will power and motivate us to do the things that we are taught by our leaders.
Study the things we are learning and see if you can "catch the vision" of the message that is being presented, ask, and then act on inspiration that you receive.
Be careful not to let things diminish the vision!
The Savior has a vision of who we can become.
When we study the life of the Savior and his teachings - he is lifting up others - take this vision and do more good in your life.  This type of life will bless you.
As we act on the vision we will be blessed. We are a people of vision - know that you can be blessed with the vision and courage to act. The savior invites us - we must take the potential that the Savior sees that we may act!

Larry Y. Wilson
of the seventy

Wife was speeding, he was being a backseat driver.  She questioned what right he had to question her driving....he said because he was the husband and held the priesthood.  He did not make that mistake again.

Only upon the principles of righteousness is the priesthood rightly ordained.  Control over another person in an unrighteous dominion is unrighteous.  We cannot force others to do the right thing! This is not God's way!
It is the nature of all men to exercise unrighteous dominion - it is an easy trap to fall in, especially for men.

Parents need to make sure they do not limit the growth of their children.  We need to give the children the ability to make moral decisions on their own.  Wise parents prepare children to get along without them.  And yes, children will make mistakes and learn from them!

story of daughter playing soccer and had a championship game on sunday - they left the decision to her - she decided to play the game. After the game she said it felt awful and that she never wanted to play on Sunday again.

Helping children to exercise their agency is key - they need to learn - and help them establish their own connection to heaven

The duty of seeking the Lord is our key to opening the path of communication with the Lord.
The promise is that those that take the Holy Ghost as their guide are not deceived!

Demanding parents can make it hard for children to feel the love of Heaven  - we must act only by persuasion, love unfeigned.

Of all the help we can give young people is to let them feel our confidence - they are on the path home and they CAN make it!

Compliment our children! Help them to feel love and know that they are loved by us and the Lord!

David F. Evans
of the Seventy

our most important work is within the family
we are to teach our children the gospel
to have faith in Jesus Christ
within our homes we should follow the pattern of Nephi "we talk of Christ, we preach of Christ"
we labor diligently by going to church, reading scriptures, praying, accepting callings with our families - so that they know our love of the gospel and of our children
Letters of home provide something tangible that can be cherished - write something meaningful
Help our children know that as they strive to repent they will be forgiven
We need to share the gospel - some have never heard and some need to be reminded - the worth of souls, whatever their condition, is great in His sight
Our missionary experiences need to be current - to be fulfilled you have to continue to naturally and normally share the gospel.
Spoke of a young man that was fellowshipped although not a member.  He eventually was baptized. So, was it worth it? Was the effort worth one having one person baptized? It is never just one person - a family is saved and their posterity.
Sometimes the spirit works with several people to help one person.
We never know the effect that our actions can have.
To all those that are questioning and haven't taken the step of baptism - Pray to know whether or not the church is true.
If we will pray and ask who we can help and promise to act on the promptings - we will become instruments in the hand of the Lord.
Act upon any promptings that you have - invite them, tell them you love them.  Never delay a prompting.  A miracle can come forth from this action!

Paul B. Pieper
of the Seventy

servants of the Lord - moses, alma, joseph smith - encounters with the divine - strengthened them to overcome difficult trials
Our encounters may not be as dramatic - but we must remember and hold sacred the things that we receive from above!  Our encounters will mostly involve the Holy Ghost - let him teach and guide us, he will testify of Christ and light our minds with heavens view.
The feeling and impressions that we get may be subtle but we need to be in tune to hear them, record them so that we can save them for our use and that of our posterity.
Remember that which cometh from above is sacred - light and knowledge is sacred because heaven is its source
When we designate things as sacred we must treat them with care and reverence - that which is sacred to God only becomes sacred to us through agency.  He invites us to receive things from heaven as sacred.  Satan works against this - the world competes for our attention!
The battle for priority in our hearts between sacred and secular - we need to have faith to trust the sacred to have priority over the secular.
Tree of Life - sacred, partaking of the fruit vs. secular, spacious building
Secular view is growing - at times we may feel vunerable to these things.  Remember times that we have had witnesses from God - these things, when we are challenged - will serve as spiritual anchors to keep us grounded in the truth.
That which is of God is light - he that holds this will receive more
We will have the strength to overcome the trials of our day

Neil L. Andersen


Does my life reflect the life of Christ?
What thinks Christ of Me?
Our world is moving away from things that are spiritual.  There is a disbelief and disregard for Jesus Christ.  Being a disciple in these days will be a great honor in the next life.
Come Follow Me is not a competition but an invitation to all - this is a lifelong migration toward a more celestial world.
You are on the right road - the road toward eternal life. Strengthen those along the way, let us have faith in the Savior that declared "All things are possible"
We can learn so much from the discipleship of President Monson - he often asks, "What would Jesus Do?"
Miracles are not always immediate - as we trust in the Savior promised miracles will appear.  Be of Good Cheer!
As you love, trust, believe and follow the Savior you will know that you are his disciple, by His grace he will do for you those things that you cannot do for yourself.
Jesus Christ IS the savior of the world.  He suffered and died for us.  On his return we will not be asking whether others see us as Christians but rather "What think He of me?"

Thomas S. Monson

His heart is full, the conference center is full, we have enjoyed beautiful music, wonderful messages and the spirit that has carried through the conference. (I love how grateful he is in the blessing of this conference) Tells those released he will miss them, welcomes those that have newly been called.
How blessed we are to have the restored gospel in our lives and in our hearts.  It provides purpose and hope to our lives.  The Lord is mindful of the troubles we face - may we call upon Him in prayer!  May our homes be filled with love and courtesy and the spirit of the Lord.  Settle problems and contentions in the home NOW! Such things should be done away.  King Benjamin - I have not commanded you to think I am more than a mortal man yet I have been chosen by the Lord to serve you with all the might, mind and strength that the Lord has granted unto me. He invokes the blessings of heaven upon each of us (waves his finger around to "invoke" this on everyone - so cute!)

Such a great conference!!!!!!! I need to go back and listen to the talks from the Saturday sessions as I was not at home and could not get the internet necessary to listen. :( But I strive to listen to those this week and post some notes!  We are so blessed to have a prophet of the Lord to guide us.  I don't have to be in Utah to feel this, to see this, to hear this.  I feel so blessed to have been able to spend time with my family and listen to conference.  I can't wait to get the kids reactions and see what struck them as important!