We've had some discussions about these issues, Kate. Can't recall whether Alexa and I agreed or not. The short of it is, at least with me.
On the common core, it means in my local NJ school district not much about content but a huge increase in the testing regimen, including the comedic notion that it's possible to measure just how much effect one teacher in one class had on a student with some precision. Sufficiently for those scores to determine such things as merit raises, getting tenure, and, in a few cases, keeping tenure.
School becomes ever more about getting ready for tests, taking them, and then getting ready for the next round. And the fun and joy of learning as something of value in and of itself just keeps leaking out the door.
On the overall national comparative test scores, my take is that, based at least on my experience and reading, that US suburban schools are doing quite well. At least in the aggregate. Certainly seems to be the case around here. The problem is that we have not put sufficient resources into addressing inner city and rural schools. Should be a national campaign to do that rather than the Arne Duncan preference for charter schools and test scores.
Never thought a Democratic administration would keep giving up the store on public education. |
