Advice and info seeking-

[wendybeth]

In Washington, we have what's known as the WASL test, and it's killing our schools. Right now, it's only administered in a few grades, but eventually it will be in every grade. The grades it is being used in now are notorious for spending virtually the entire school year to teach the subjects and concept of this test, which is math as a language and essay driven. Actually, most teachers say it really tests you on your ability to follow directions more than anything. At any rate, things are a mess here and only getting worse. Kindergarten teachers are not exempt from the stress, as they are responsible for preparing their kids for the first grade testing. I'm not sure how things are in Colorado, but the NCLB Act is having similar repercussions throughout the country. Many states are choosing to forego funding or filing suit against the Feds, so perhaps this may be a moot point by the time you graduate.

Having said that, I always thought that were I to teach, it would have to be Kindergarten or college. In kindergarten, the kids are largely excited to be there, and in college they have to assume more personal responsibility, so less babysitting on your part.