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

[kahnegabs.livejournal.com]

Well, one thing about "No child left behind," it pretty much guarantees that no child will get much ahead either. Gifted kids are ignored. Not because the teachers don't care, but because this system allows them no time for anything but teaching to the tests, testing, filling out paperwork and going to 'trainings' and meetings.

[duchessletitia.livejournal.com]

I was so glad Kelvin missed out on this. I feel very sorry for the kids caught in this trap.

[nevynn.livejournal.com]

"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. "

So.. Why hasn't Bush changed? ah yes.. because 'some people don't like accountability.'
*sneers*

No Teacher Left Standing

[beanolc.livejournal.com]

Seven years ago this spring I taught my final semester as a public high school teacher. California, ever the front runner, had implemented several of these features in the years leading up to my defection. I'm sorry to say that I'm glad I left when I did, because it only got worse.

Educators should make decisions about education. Period. End of story.

There is no capacity for my brain, at present, to continue my commentary without launching into foul and treasonous language. I can only hope that we haven't done irreparable harm to the students who are trapped in this system.

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?

[ladybrid.livejournal.com]

The GATE program at my kids school is a joke. Because none of the kids in it are allowed to do anything on school time that will remove them from the other kids in class, because that would Leave those Kids Behind... sigh
So they get labeled GATE, and they may get a Summer program opportunity, but there is nothing during the school year.
Principal lectured all the parents who raised their hands that they'd be fine with their kids being pulled from the class for GATE activities, on how we'd be negatively impacting the less advanced students. Oh um, maybe the teacher could then give those kids some more remedial attention? nah, their brains apparently don't work as well if the brighter kids aren't there.

http://instruct.westvalley.edu/lafave/hb.html

[prosefromdover.livejournal.com]

"People are beginning to get used to the notion that there's ... an idiot in the White House."