Community Service in Newark

I attended a faculty meeting at Newark's Art High School. The meeting was about teachers writing their tests to look like the HSPA and other standardize tests. The teachers got into pairs and looked at each other tests. Then they went around in a circle and said what they liked about it and if there is anything they can do to improve. Most of the teachers tests were good and they have to hand it to Dr. Brown, the principal, by December 12. She has to approve of the test before they give it to the students to take. In addition, one teacher talked about how the students are disbehaving and disrespecting each other and the teachers. This arguement went on for about twenty minutes and then the vice principal said that they would have to discuss this issue at another faculty meeting. This issue angered most teaches because they feel why should they teach the students if they don't want to listen and learn. Then they went around in a circle and summarized a section that they read on how to improve student writing. After everyone was done talking about their section, the meeting ended. From this meeting, I learned how the teachers feel about the tests they have to give and how they feel about the students and teaching at Arts High School. They have to attend this meeting twice every month becuase it is required including all the other types of faculty meetings and confrences after school.