[etni] Re: Fw: Meitsav Tests
- From: Steiner Family <steiner1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2003 17:01:08 +0200
**** ETNI on the web http://www.etni.org.il http://www.etni.org ****
Dear Jennifer,
In response to your letter:
1. Yes, there are hardly any changes in the Table of Specifications, which
defines the kinds of tasks given. The writers of the exam have taken into
consideration that the tests will be given earlier this year and have adjusted
the level of the tasks accordingly.
2. The decision to have the exams earlier last year was made by the
Director-General of the Ministry of Education. One of the reasons for this
decision was to enable the Ministry to return the results of the Meitzav to
schools before the end of the school year. I had suggested that the test be
given in the 6th grade instead of the 5th grade, but there were other issues
that needed to be taken into consideration and it was decided to keep the test
in the 5th grade.
3. I really don't think that the tests should ruin the pupils' motivation. It
should be explained to them that the Meitav is a tool that is meant to help
principals, teachers and pupils. It gives the school an opportunity to know
how the pupils are learning English and in which domains they are doing well
and in which domains they need some help.
All the best,
Judy
----- Original Message -----
From: Ask Etni
To: etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 3:36 PM
Subject: [etni] Fw: Meitsav Tests
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----- Original Message -----
From: Jennifer Spigelman
To: Ask Etni
Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 12:53 PM
Subject: Meitsav Tests
Dear Judy
Although most of the questions addressed to you are on the Bagrut level, I
would appreciate some clarifications about the 5th grade Meysav test.
I have checked this year's table of specifications on the ministry site and
except for a slight difference in wording it is almost exactly the same as
last year's.
How can this be? Last year's test was in May the end of year two and this
year's test is at the beginning of December. Could we possibly receive more
guidance
I know that I speak for many teachers when I say that I am confused about
what will be on the test and why we are testing the pupils so early in the
language learning process
In my experience, the greatest language loss in the summer occurs between
4th and 5th grade. With the holidays we are now only starting new material
as we have been reviewing and helping those who have had trouble. The pupils
come to the first years so eager to learn, it is our job not to ruin their
motivation. In a class test I can use all kinds of strategies to ensure that
a weak pupil will not label himself as a failure so early on, what will I do
on an external test?
I also wonder about the random sampling of oral skills, plenty of pupils are
still in the quiet period where they are frightened of talking especially to
an outside tester.
Please tell me and my fellow teachers how the above issues have been
addressed and what we can expect on the test so we can all be more relaxed
about it
Thank you,
Jennifer Spigelman
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