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.
