Post article---Susan Sluyter, a veteran teacher of 25 years, resigned. Why? The joy of teaching was lost for her.

Also diminishing was the joy of learning for her students. The previous trend: As she discusses, it was hands-on learning, exploring ones environment, and investigation. Teachers used themes that built on the childs natural environment to engage them in learning. Children were immersed in all subject areas and engaged in learning without realizing it. The environment was child centered, and the teacher was the facilitator. The teacher would set up the learning environment, but through exploration is how children would learn. The teacher may ask questions to engage the children, or to make them critically think. Fast forward to NCLB, 2001, All children grades 3-8 must read at grade level, as measured from annual state testing, and must reach this achievement within 12 years. This is when the emphasis on testing became so prevalent. 1 thing we dont think of: Do these kids know how to test? At 3, 4, and 5, no. They have to be taught. Just as these 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are practicing SOLs on the computers to become proficient just on how to take the test, not on the material that they will be tested. Slowly, over the last decade, weve moved our schools into a test-focused environment. Its intense. Our teachers feel pressured to get their jobs done, and do the job well. Our kids feel this pressure as well. Its a struggle. And the final judgment comes from a test score, which is not always a true and accurate reflection of the learning taken place. Teachers are losing instructional time having to do these assessments, in all grades K-5. There are reading assessments, math assessments, data collection, etc. that they have to complete on each child, with a classroom of 20 or more students as well as teach the standards of learning mandated. Teachers often do not have the time to do teach creatively, to allow time for individual investigations, or to give students time to explore to think outside the box. Like Ms. Sluyter, all teachers, and I am going to speak generally for Belmonts, but I include some of our teachers, they are frustrated. We have quality teachers in our school, but our test scores dont reflect this. And teachers all over the country are frustrated to the point of choosing to leave the profession. Teachers dont teach for the money. They teach because they love what they do. They have a passion to make a difference. But changing the expectations, changing the methodology, its causing quality teachers to leave the field despite their love of teaching. At this point, there isnt much of a solution, but being here tonight is a start. Quality teachers leaving because of what our education system has become, that speaks volumes, and they are being heard. Its been said, a parent is a childs first teacher. Work at home with your children. Explore inside and outside. If you dont know it, Google does. Dont be ashamed to tell your kids you dont know the answer. Be proud to tell them you are going to learn it together. All moments are teachable moments. Take the time to teach on their level. Use all your resources, including all that the school and/or PTA offer. If you need resources at home, ask your childs teacher, or PTA to help you obtain what you need. Maybe, instead of teachers completing these assessments in the future, a designated person will do it. Until that position is created, we have to do what we can as teachers and parents. Its all we can do.