Post a commentI think what bothers me most about this highly opinionated piece, Dom, is your continued use of the snide term "educrat" to describe teachers and administrators with the insinuation that they do not support accountability....or worse...that countless students are victims of their incompetence. First of all, everyone knows that a single test on a single day can hardly be a complete indicator of a student's aptitude. Most schools require, besides final exams for senior year, some kind of portfolio assessment, with essays and work samples representative of his entire high school experience. And yes, some kids are better test takers than others. Since education is compulsory until age 16, even children with language deficits, physical, emotional and learning disorders, or just plain low cognitive ability are included in the mix (if they have not already dropped out). If the tests are aimed at the higher achievers, of course there will be failures. It is a total myth that all children can achieve at levels high enough to qualify them for college. But in order to qualify for the working world, there can be alternatives to a high school diploma, especially for special education students. One size does not fit all. And if you are going to talk about accountability, I do hope you include not just the educators but the students and their parents as well. Oh, and do not forget the state that is mandating these tests but underfunding the programs and materials needed to complete the job.
If we do not restructure our schools to require students meet realistic standards; then we will be working for the Chinese and Indians, who devote more time to parenting and education.
Presently we are educating hordes of future drones, who will become well paid civil servants and work in tax supported programs that neither produce anything or are accountable to anyone.
Joe - We are in a transitional ecnonomy, no doubt. Agriculture was replaced by manufacturing and now that is being replaced by service and technical jobs. So education moves along with it. Today's editorial about two year colleges is so true. A lot of jobs do not require professional four year degrees, let alone masters degrees. We have to prepare students for more than academia. The Asians do not worry about educating all their children. They track their kids and stick them where they think they will do the most good. They are the true drones. We live in a democracy where everyone is encouraged to reach for the moon. Soom make it and some don't. We have to create the jobs for those who will not become doctors, lawyers, professors or rocket scientists. It can be done and the community college is a good place to start. I also advocate endlessly for good early childhood education that will prevent a lot of the failures that occur along the line. Parents should do what Obama suggests and get more education....especially in the area of child development, so they know how to treat their children more humanely and wisely.
Magistra: I agree with your post above that community colleges are a great way to prepare those who are not college material for a productive future. For those who are college material and can't afford the 4-year bachelor's degree plan, community colleges in PA are especially beneficial because state schools are required to take community college transfer students. The problem is that kids are being handed high school diplomas they haven't earned (because, as the article states, "they put in their 12 years" and feel entitled to it). The kids in who don't finish their 12 years in school with a minimal skill set (like basic English and math skills) haven't earned their diploma and have no business in college. The solution isn't dumbing down our higher education system to accommodate the underachievers.
Do you really mean to tell me that it is unrealistic to expect all high school graduates to solve that sample math problem? If so, it tells you how low a high school education has sunk. And if a student can't grasp how to solve that problem in 12 years of schooling, what makes you think that student will suddenly learn how in a community college? One size doesn't fit all, but it is possible to have base standards and requirements that all can realistically meet. I think that's the point of the column and the Keystone Exams.
pj - It is most certainly not unrealistic to expect the average high school senior to pass this math problem. I am wondering about the below average student who cannot pass any test on a 12th grade level. Do you realize for example how difficult a 12th grade reading level is? For example, the reading level of the Daily News is between third and fourth grade level. If they make the tests much harder than 7th grade level in reading or math, most students would not be able to handle it. Here is a fragment from Alexander Hamiliton's Federalist papers on a 12th grade or collegiate reading level: "...we shall finally accumulate, in a single body, all the most important prerogatives of sovereignty, and thus entail upon our posterity one of the most execrable forms of government that human infatuation ever contrived." ...Many people could not interpret that passage without a dictionary. So where is the common base on which to test and pass the average graduate?
PS Here is an excerpt from a 10th grade reading test. Please compare it to the level in Dom's op-ed: "(Speech of Dr. Adams at the laying of the Corner Stone of a new Institution for Deaf Mutes in New York, November 22, 1853)
It was the boast of Augustus Caesar, that he found the City of Rome composed of brick, and left it marble. But the Imperial City, even in the days of its Augustan splendor and magnificence, could not boast of one of those philanthropic institutions which are the chief ornaments of our modern metropolis. It had its long aqueducts of marble stretching across the valleys, and its sculptured arches spanning the streets--its triumphal pillars piercing the skies; its Amphitheater of colossal dimensions, and its every form of classic elegance and might. But not one hospital for the sick: not one retreat for the insane; not one asylum for the blind; and not one refuge for the orphan; not one institution for the mute.
(10th Grade Level; 2 errors permitted)" ...See what I mean????
let's not make this too complicated. a reasonable assessment of reading and math attainment advanced/proficient/basic/below basic is a good place to be. you know, like the pssa. it isn't perfect, but it it's ok. to come up with a new test is a political smoke screen that will take forever to implement and take the district off the hook for the large amount of failure that exists today. teachers who do not want to accept that challenge as a daily mission should find a new profession. everyone doesn't have to go to harvard, but e should expect a high school graduate to be able to read the daily news.
pointguard, do you work for one of the education management organizations? You are way too committed to proving that public schools are "failing". Students' entire lives are upended by these high stakes tests. So it is not ok if they are imperfect. If reading the 4th grade Daily News is your starting point, that isn't a very high bar at all. All normed tests automatically have a curve of 50% above and 50% below average. If you get 100% above the norm, in other words, the test is too easy. The high school diploma should be based on much more than one standardized test given on a single day. And to be fair, there should be variations on the diploma for those in special education. Those who want to attend college should still have to pass whatever entrance requirements there are, including essays, SAT scores, and experience. And good community colleges with open enrollment should provide the opportunity for those who are late bloomers to prove they can do college level work. We all agree that teachers must meet the challenge and most of them do, especially if they are graduates of good preparation programs and dedicated to continuing education. But they cannot clap with one hand. The student and the student's family are the other half of that partnership. And the school should receive WHATEVER it needs to accomplish its goals, such as full time librarians, technical and science equipment, sufficient textbooks, supplies and plenty of support staff. I am still bristling at Dom's patronizing use of the term "educrats" as if there were some kind of widespread conspiracy of mediocrity. That is unfair and certainly untrue.
If we insisted on a good education for all our students, can someone, anyone, explain to me who the Failed School Teacher would have for an Audience? I am amused by a someone who has been living very well on the paycheck and benefits of a Policeman's Pay, only to leave home to be living well on a fellow (not failed) spouse School teacher pay and benefits -- fail at education - keep that chip on his shoulder, have his politically connected family securea job at a community College,,,, only to call those who have notdropped out of the educational field an "Ed-u-crat". The only occupation Dom is successful in is one that does not challange his lack of intelligence, information and frankly outright integrity --- Remember when he called the former Cardinal "Stinkin'" for ratings? Now his mutual Admiration society also presently writing for the Inquirer has gotten him into a paper both of them make a career out of calling "Liberal". --- Right not, Dom will ride the coat-tails of one Glenn Beck in the hope he will never have to leave his protected enviorns in order to become relevant. His friend will be writing tomorrow about the "Democrat" party and we are supposed to hold her in high esteem also. All cut from the same "Christie" cloth.
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