1/23/2025 - I have written about this problem numerous times. Two of my teacher friends and one friend who is a substitute teacher told me since the return from two weeks off for the Holidays they have yet to spend a full week in the classroom. My substitute friend has work over 10 days filling in for teachers who are again testing for reading skills, attending IEP meetings and a teacher conference.
Students need their teachers full-time in their classrooms as much as possible. Subjects like Math and Reading need continuity learning so the material can be learned and retained. Most importantly, the teacher understands his/her students the best and can supply situational learning instead of a substitute who monitor's a study/work lesson. Continuity learning is most critical for elementary and Middle School students.
2024 - I have been concerned about Elementary and Grade school testing for many years. The Pandemic only compounded my fears, and we have lost so many students that cannot read, write or do math at grade level.
In order to compensate these facts schools are now doing one one-on-one testing by a teacher to each student to see where they are slotted in the learning curve.
While this sounds right it is causing a much deeper problem upstream in the process. I have three friends in three different local school districts where this is taking place. It has been going on for weeks.
In order for the teacher to do one-on-one testing a large number of subs are required to be in the classroom while the teacher is out testing. The Subs have been working every day since school started in September. So, who is teaching the fundamentals to the children while the teacher is out of the room? Most Subs are classroom monitors at best and don't have the backgrounds for teaching. The State of Michigan requires any substitute teacher candidate to complete 60 credit hours in any subject area from a four-year college or university.
This reminds me of when corporations do Quality Testing and Control after the product is made or well downstream in the process to do any good. Teachers MUST be in the classroom. Find an outside tutor(s) or retired teacher(s) to do the testing. School children need continual learning to grasp concepts from a qualified teacher and to bond as a unit with their teachers.
Some might say this is too expensive to hire tutors or retired teachers. Do you have any idea how much a Sub makes per day (In Michigan - $170 - $250 depending on District.)? Pay the tutors and retired teachers the same as a sub and get the teacher back in classroom full time.
While the current method seems plausible it is really putting children farther behind. Two SUBS have been asked to be a full-time sub for the school year. While both have degrees, they are not certified to be a teacher. One teacher told me she has to do the testing because subs are not certified to do the testing. Well, they are not certified to teach either!
I would be willing to bet many parents are not aware this is even happening.
