I seriously hate this. The result, at least in our state, is that teachers must "teach to the test," if they want the class to meet or exceed standards. This narrows the taught material to just what is likely to be on the tests.
Also, it penalizes schools and teacher who *do* work with underprivileged students, or non-native speakers of English. And if merit raises are tied to students' test/class scores, pardon my cynicism in thinking "grade inflation."
Not every child is going to get an "A." Or even a "C." I laud efforts to improve our school systems, but not ones that presuppose that all children are equal, academically speaking. This isn't meant to sound elitist; children with learning disabilities should have the time and care they need to understand the topics without penalizing the kid who walked in practically knowing the subject. And the teacher who has to choose between one group or the other shouldn't be penalized for working with kids who *need* that help and whose scores may not be as high as the ones sitting at the Red Robins table. (And having had bright kids WITH learning disabilities, it is particularly important to me).
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-08-31 02:48 am (UTC)Also, it penalizes schools and teacher who *do* work with underprivileged students, or non-native speakers of English. And if merit raises are tied to students' test/class scores, pardon my cynicism in thinking "grade inflation."
Not every child is going to get an "A." Or even a "C." I laud efforts to improve our school systems, but not ones that presuppose that all children are equal, academically speaking. This isn't meant to sound elitist; children with learning disabilities should have the time and care they need to understand the topics without penalizing the kid who walked in practically knowing the subject. And the teacher who has to choose between one group or the other shouldn't be penalized for working with kids who *need* that help and whose scores may not be as high as the ones sitting at the Red Robins table. (And having had bright kids WITH learning disabilities, it is particularly important to me).