I am the parent of two children (second and third grades) in the Ballston Spa School District; school has been a struggle for both of them since the implementation of the Common Core Standards. When my children are asked if they want to go to a movie or the State Museum, they reply, "The museum." They are intelligent, determined and caring children. My husband and I have done everything we can to support them, including private tutors.
I hadn't understood why state Education Commissioner John King was not listening to so many parents, teachers and administrators, but now — after reading the article "Wealth backs reform team," Nov. 24 — it makes more sense.
I am also a teacher; I taught in the public schools on Long Island and here in the Capital Region as a band director for eight years before deciding to stay home and raise my children.
I love my profession and it pains me to see what has been going on with this new teacher evaluation system. I believe educators need to be evaluated, but the current method tying teacher's effectiveness scores to standardized test scores has me deeply concerned. The amount of testing our children are subjected to is causing harm, and there needs to be a better way to evaluate and educate our greatest natural resource in America, our children.
I hope something can be done to fix this horrendous mess that has negatively affected so many children and families in our state.
Amanda Bywater
Malta