argh

[learnteach]

 

"Tomorrow is the 6th anniversary of the day that I signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law. And since that day we've come a long way, fewer students are falling behind. People are beginning to get used to the notion that there's accountability in the public school system. Look, I recognize some people don't like accountability. In other words, accountability says if you're failing, we're going to expose that and expect you to change. Accountability also says that when you're succeeding you'll get plenty of praise. "

President George W. Bush
January 7, 2008


I can't even begin to respond to this.  Well, I can begin, but it's not very reasoned.  3 points:  The administration load of the program, and the continual testing (4 times a year by the school) suck up any advantage.  Secondly, the metric (the test) is incredibly poor.   Testing of this sort doesn't really work.   Finally, the amount of funds pledged versus the amount of changes and work, and the codicil requirements which require many extra resources to pull up the low performing students, mean that we're taking all the programs that reward intelligence and achievement to try and enact basic social programs in schools.  

Comments

How dumb are we?

[shadowwalkyr.livejournal.com]

It's worth pointing out, as I have several times over the last several years, that this system is quite similar to ones used in many south-east Asian nations: Vietnam, Singapore et al. Korea is, last I heard, mercifully getting away from it.

The problem is: by teaching exclusively to pass the test, you generate students who can only pass the test. This is one of several major reason why you don't have many major thinkers coming out of these countries (per capita), dispite their education being "competitive." Singapore, especially, is noted for having marvelous scores on science tests. . .and no scientists worthy of note.

Is this the example we want to follow?

Re: How dumb are we?

[terpsichoros.livejournal.com]

The system of rigorous testing is also quite similar to that which is used in France, another country noted for its lack of major thinkers and noteworthy scientists.

Re: How dumb are we?

[learnteach.livejournal.com]

Is this sarcasm, as Ms. Curie would say?

NCLB tests are not what I'd call rigorous or systematic in any case.

Re: How dumb are we?

[martianfencer.livejournal.com]

Woah, I had never thought of that before, but it's true!