So I don't buy Barbie either. Dd has been gifted numerous collector barbies. I'm kind of wtf about them. What 3 year old wants a Barbie that has to remain in a box?! It's probably why she's never asked for one...she likely thinks they all live in the boxes.
MIL bought dd one for her birthday. Like Wtf is she going to do with it? Not like in 20 years it will be valuable and she can sell it, so I just need to store it somewhere. She can look back and tell her kids, "here's a Barbie I never played with." Stupid.
So I don't buy Barbie either. Dd has been gifted numerous collector barbies. I'm kind of wtf about them. What 3 year old wants a Barbie that has to remain in a box?! It's probably why she's never asked for one...she likely thinks they all live in the boxes.
MIL bought dd one for her birthday. Like Wtf is she going to do with it? Not like in 20 years it will be valuable and she can sell it, so I just need to store it somewhere. She can look back and tell her kids, "here's a Barbie I never played with." Stupid.
So take it out of the box and let her play with it.
MIL bought dd one for her birthday. Like Wtf is she going to do with it? Not like in 20 years it will be valuable and she can sell it, so I just need to store it somewhere. She can look back and tell her kids, "here's a Barbie I never played with." Stupid.
So take it out of the box and let her play with it.
I'm just going to donate it in a couple months. But I just realized she has Anna and Elsa dolls that are Barbie version so apparently I don't dislike them that much.
Post by mamaalysson on Mar 26, 2015 15:40:17 GMT -5
DD got a Barbie when she was like 2 from a Christmas party MIL took her to. She referred to her only as "Barb" or "Barbara", never "Barbie". I loved that. She lost interest in her after a few months, though.
I guess I am confused what Barbie promotes? Playing with plastic dolls and screaming fits to find 1 inch shoes. I just don't agree that these toys "promote" anything I think it's all in your head.
Unrealistic body image? But like I said I agree that the people in you life are far more influential. I just don't like that Barbie et al promote this unrealistic and harmful standard of beauty. Isn't the whole point of them to play make believe you're a beautiful grown up lady who wears fancy clothes and shoes and is "beautiful"?
I have boys but I must have to most inattentive kids on the planet. My kids wouldn't even know it was an option to want to look like a Barbie( or any kind of figure) they are a foot tall. He doesn't even know what a waist is. He May would notice the shape if I talked about it but probably not. He's just starting to notice height differences and we talk about different shapes and sizes, he has no opinions on short, tall, or any other physical attribute.
DS1 talks about TMNT and Power Rangers and Paw Patrol but he knows it's all pretend and we can dress up like that but we are all different and some things just aren't going to happen. You can not grow up to be a fire dog, or a turtle. Just call me the dream killer.
I skimmed, but as a teacher, I wish every single parent would opt out of standardized testing.
THe more people that opt out, the more people who make the rules will know that people are willing to fight on this issue.
If you opt out here they treat it like a fail and a child loses an elective in jr high. In addition to that and you can't graduate high school. It sounds good but I don't want the first time my child takes a standardized test to be the one that his future depends on.
Out superintendent is the leader of the anti testing movement in Texas I have high hopes.
I hate them too but there really isn't an opting out here.
I'll be honest, I have always been a huge supporter of public schools but am getting very concerned lately. We're in a "good" school district (based on state rankings and the like), but all the materials that come home are from Pearson. The principal and superintendent are very rah rah about standardized test scores, but I'm seeing little creative work coming home. Both girls are doing well by measurable metrics, but aren't seeming as challenged as I would like (and Julia is not nearly as challenged this year as she was last year in our old district). It seems like as long as you're meeting the benchmark to perform well on the standardized test in this district you end up lost in the group and I'm not pleased.
That said, I am not qualified to teach any child, my own or someone else's. And even if I were, there are important social lessons learned in attending school from working with a teacher or classmate who isn't your favorite to navigating friendship issues at recess without significant adult interference.
I would love to think I could afford a really cool non-religious (or Quaker) private school, but since that will never be in the cards for us, I have to trust public education and hope that the curriculum improves from what I'm seeing right now (and if we didn't know we were moving this year we would absolutely be working with this system to improve it).
Has your daughter been tested? If she isn't being challenged in all academic areas I would look into whether or not she qualifies for advanced placement. In my area it's called GATE (Gifted and Talented Education). If it were just one area I would look into supplementing her education through other options. Maybe your school or district has an after school science lab program, foreign language classes, or a creative writing class she can take to challenge her in a more creative fashion.
I'll be honest, I have always been a huge supporter of public schools but am getting very concerned lately. We're in a "good" school district (based on state rankings and the like), but all the materials that come home are from Pearson. The principal and superintendent are very rah rah about standardized test scores, but I'm seeing little creative work coming home. Both girls are doing well by measurable metrics, but aren't seeming as challenged as I would like (and Julia is not nearly as challenged this year as she was last year in our old district). It seems like as long as you're meeting the benchmark to perform well on the standardized test in this district you end up lost in the group and I'm not pleased.
That said, I am not qualified to teach any child, my own or someone else's. And even if I were, there are important social lessons learned in attending school from working with a teacher or classmate who isn't your favorite to navigating friendship issues at recess without significant adult interference.
I would love to think I could afford a really cool non-religious (or Quaker) private school, but since that will never be in the cards for us, I have to trust public education and hope that the curriculum improves from what I'm seeing right now (and if we didn't know we were moving this year we would absolutely be working with this system to improve it).
Has your daughter been tested? If she isn't being challenged in all academic areas I would look into whether or not she qualifies for advanced placement. In my area it's called GATE (Gifted and Talented Education). If it were just one area I would look into supplementing her education through other options. Maybe your school or district has an after school science lab program, foreign language classes, or a creative writing class she can take to challenge her in a more creative fashion.
I asked about it and was told they only test in the spring (we transferred in over the summer), so she would be eligible to test this year, but we're moving again. The school has no extra things at all except one club and she's in that but they have had three meetings so far, but she reads a ton for fun at home and H often does little science experiments with the kids. She's also doing girl scouts, sports outside of school and a dance class. I'm sad about it because last year school was a bigger challenge for her and she was happier. This past trimester both girls had "perfect" report cards, which shouldn't be happening and it tells me there's a big issue with the curriculum because while my girls are smart I don't feel they're off the charts crazy smart.
Has your daughter been tested? If she isn't being challenged in all academic areas I would look into whether or not she qualifies for advanced placement. In my area it's called GATE (Gifted and Talented Education). If it were just one area I would look into supplementing her education through other options. Maybe your school or district has an after school science lab program, foreign language classes, or a creative writing class she can take to challenge her in a more creative fashion.
I asked about it and was told they only test in the spring (we transferred in over the summer), so she would be eligible to test this year, but we're moving again. The school has no extra things at all except one club and she's in that but they have had three meetings so far, but she reads a ton for fun at home and H often does little science experiments with the kids. She's also doing girl scouts, sports outside of school and a dance class. I'm sad about it because last year school was a bigger challenge for her and she was happier. This past trimester both girls had "perfect" report cards, which shouldn't be happening and it tells me there's a big issue with the curriculum because while my girls are smart I don't feel they're off the charts crazy smart.
How disappointing! I'm glad that you are looking into other options for your family. It sounds like you guys are doing all that you can. I would still have her tested because having that in her permanent record could help you at the next school.
I asked about it and was told they only test in the spring (we transferred in over the summer), so she would be eligible to test this year, but we're moving again. The school has no extra things at all except one club and she's in that but they have had three meetings so far, but she reads a ton for fun at home and H often does little science experiments with the kids. She's also doing girl scouts, sports outside of school and a dance class. I'm sad about it because last year school was a bigger challenge for her and she was happier. This past trimester both girls had "perfect" report cards, which shouldn't be happening and it tells me there's a big issue with the curriculum because while my girls are smart I don't feel they're off the charts crazy smart.
How disappointing! I'm glad that you are looking into other options for your family. It sounds like you guys are doing all that you can. I would still have her tested because having that in her permanent record could help you at the next school.
I might get her tested then! Honestly, I'm not convinced she's gifted, I think that the school itself just has a less rigorous curriculum. I mean, she's bright, no question, and reading above grade level from what I can tell, but I don't think she's overall "gifted." Can't hurt to get her tested anyway, though! And thanks! I'm so glad we only had a one year lease and no commitment to the town so we have the freedom to keep looking and find our place!
How disappointing! I'm glad that you are looking into other options for your family. It sounds like you guys are doing all that you can. I would still have her tested because having that in her permanent record could help you at the next school.
I might get her tested then! Honestly, I'm not convinced she's gifted, I think that the school itself just has a less rigorous curriculum. I mean, she's bright, no question, and reading above grade level from what I can tell, but I don't think she's overall "gifted." Can't hurt to get her tested anyway, though! And thanks! I'm so glad we only had a one year lease and no commitment to the town so we have the freedom to keep looking and find our place!
Here the test has more to do with thinking outside the box rather than having a higher than average intelligence.
I might get her tested then! Honestly, I'm not convinced she's gifted, I think that the school itself just has a less rigorous curriculum. I mean, she's bright, no question, and reading above grade level from what I can tell, but I don't think she's overall "gifted." Can't hurt to get her tested anyway, though! And thanks! I'm so glad we only had a one year lease and no commitment to the town so we have the freedom to keep looking and find our place!
Here the test has more to do with thinking outside the box rather than having a higher than average intelligence.
Ah, that makes a lot of sense and seems like a more meaningful metric. I'll look into getting her evaluated and see where it leads. Thanks!
Also, I was under the impression that if you asked your child to be tested they had to comply within a certain amount of time?
Really? I asked about it during a parent teacher conference in November and was told it was the wrong time of year and never looked further. I never made a formal request, so maybe my asking about it wasn't enough? I have no idea how this stuff works, clearly!
I honestly think it's more a shitty curriculum than that my kid needs testing if that makes sense. In her old school she did well, but definitely was challenged a lot more as a mainstream student.
Also, I was under the impression that if you asked your child to be tested they had to comply within a certain amount of time?
Really? I asked about it during a parent teacher conference in November and was told it was the wrong time of year and never looked further. I never made a formal request, so maybe my asking about it wasn't enough? I have no idea how this stuff works, clearly!
I honestly think it's more a shitty curriculum than that my kid needs testing if that makes sense. In her old school she did well, but definitely was challenged a lot more as a mainstream student.
That was what I have been told in general discussions. It's not something I've looked into personally. I know for some of it; it's not so much about being gifted but providing a student with materials that will challenge them, etc. I'm sure it varies by district to some point.
Post by penguingrrl on Mar 26, 2015 18:37:16 GMT -5
That's interesting. When I brought it up the teacher closed the discussion very quickly and moved on to something else, but I may bring it up again. I definitely feel like while she's doing well and has progressed significantly this year she just doesn't seem like she's being forced to think hard the way she was last year.
Re standardized testing. I am all for opting out. Damn the man and all that. BUT I need to look into the HS exit exam. I didnt even think of that.s shit. If W seems to be on track for a completion cert instead of a diploma I will opt him out for sure.
Re standardized testing. I am all for opting out. Damn the man and all that. BUT I need to look into the HS exit exam. I didnt even think of that.s shit. If W seems to be on track for a completion cert instead of a diploma I will opt him out for sure.
I wonder if it will be around then. There is talk of getting rid of it because of the SBAC.
Post by dizzycooks on Mar 26, 2015 19:47:10 GMT -5
I wish lala you can't even imagine the time that is lost due to testing schedules. I may only be giving two 3-4 day tests in my class, but there are 1-2 other classes doing the same thing and the altered schedules mean I have up to 30 kids missing my class for between 8 and 16 days. That ends up being 5 weeks of altered schedules. I only have 10 weeks left which includes the joke that is the last week and 3 weeks where we don't have their laptops or access to library books or computer labs.
I had testing every day this week. Kids are taking a test every day in one subject or another until the first week in may, and we started two weeks ago. With special ed accomodations and pull outs for small group testing, I essentially lose 7-8 weeks of classtime where every student is in class. It's mind-blowlingly awful.
I blame Pearson. 12 billion dollars in profits last year, something like 40% of that is from American testing. (I can't remember the exact number, so I could be way off.)
Ugh, sadly, I believe it. Our testing starts in a few weeks and it 2.5 weeks long, I think. Apparently last year there were issues when the principal forbid outdoor recess b/c it was "too loud" during testing. So the K-2 kids were stuck inside being "quiet" for 2.5 weeks. I am already bracing myself for the discussion we will have about it if it happens again.
Its so frustrating. Standardized testing does NOT show student knowledge/achievement. It does NOT show teacher ability. And it does NOT show if a school is a "good" school. Unless by "good" you mean primarily full of upper middle class white kids.
Also, sp ed kids are required to tale the exact same grade level test as their Gen ed peers. Not the grade level they are working at, their actual grade. Its really fun to explain to a bunch of 5th graders reading at a 1st/2nd grade level that you know the story is above their reading level,and suggest they just look for key words in the questions to match with answers. Because they CANT READ THE FUCKING TEST
Its so frustrating. Standardized testing does NOT show student knowledge/achievement. It does NOT show teacher ability. And it does NOT show if a school is a "good" school. Unless by "good" you mean primarily full of upper middle class white kids.
Also, sp ed kids are required to tale the exact same grade level test as their Gen ed peers. Not the grade level they are working at, their actual grade. Its really fun to explain to a bunch of 5th graders reading at a 1st/2nd grade level that you know the story is above their reading level,and suggest they just look for key words in the questions to match with answers. Because they CANT READ THE FUCKING TEST
One of my closet friends has two kids on the spectrum one is nonverbal and the other has very limited speech. Neither can even write their first and last names. However the oldest will be taking the state test at a 3rd grade level. The boy can't read or write but is expected to take a standardized test that includes a two page writing sample. Fucking fuck fuck fuck. Fuck
Its so frustrating. Standardized testing does NOT show student knowledge/achievement. It does NOT show teacher ability. And it does NOT show if a school is a "good" school. Unless by "good" you mean primarily full of upper middle class white kids.
Also, sp ed kids are required to tale the exact same grade level test as their Gen ed peers. Not the grade level they are working at, their actual grade. Its really fun to explain to a bunch of 5th graders reading at a 1st/2nd grade level that you know the story is above their reading level,and suggest they just look for key words in the questions to match with answers. Because they CANT READ THE FUCKING TEST
One of my closet friends has two kids on the spectrum one is nonverbal and the other has very limited speech. Neither can even write their first and last names. However the oldest will be taking the state test at a 3rd grade level. The boy can't read or write but is expected to take a standardized test that includes a two page writing sample. Fucking fuck fuck fuck. Fuck
Reading this makes me livid and they aren't even my kids or anyone I know. That is horrible. CAn those kids opt out? I can't imagine putting my kids through that stress.
One of my closet friends has two kids on the spectrum one is nonverbal and the other has very limited speech. Neither can even write their first and last names. However the oldest will be taking the state test at a 3rd grade level. The boy can't read or write but is expected to take a standardized test that includes a two page writing sample. Fucking fuck fuck fuck. Fuck
Reading this makes me livid and they aren't even my kids or anyone I know. That is horrible. CAn those kids opt out? I can't imagine putting my kids through that stress.
There really is no opt out but I gave her the exact days and make up days and told her to keep him home so she scheduled doctors appointments those days;)