The week of April 15, 2024 has been "luxury week" aka "penalty week" as 4th and 5th grade students are subjected to getting extra recess, donuts, gum, etc. if they perform well on their standardized tests. If you don't pass them, you are publicly embarrassed while all your peers "get" to enjoy these "luxuries" in front of you. This is harmful for the students who "get" to participate as they are heartbroken for their peers, causes stress and anxiety, creates a fear of mistakes, and overall limited growth mindset. I've tried to change the minds of staff at the school, with evidence from studies that show penalties for testing are harmful academically, emotionally, and psychologically and not only extinguish inspiration but carry lasting impacts on our children. Our children are our future. Let's ensure they are treated with dignity and respect and not hold them accountable for mismatching teaching styles with learning styles. I believe teachers should be paid more and revered because they literally touch our future, but this... this is tragic. read more