In the acceptance speech of the Republican candidate for President, he said:
I believe, I believe every child can learn and every school must teach …
So far, so good. But later on, he said:
We are transforming our schools by raising standards and focusing on results. We are insisting on accountability, empowering parents and teachers and making sure that local people are in charge of their schools. By testing every child, we are identifying those who need help — and we’re providing a record level of funding to get them that help. In northeast Georgia, Gainesville Elementary School is mostly Hispanic and 90% poor — and this year 90% of its students passed state tests in reading and math. The principal expresses the philosophy of his school this way: “We don’t focus on what we can’t do at this school; we focus on what we can do. And we do whatever it takes to get kids across the finish line.”
Translation: They are continuing to emphasize standards-based testing. I think this is making our nation stupid.
Yup, stupid.
As any college student will tell you, knowing what you will be tested on (i.e., standards-based testing) means what? That right, kids: you only study for what is on the test. Out goes the creativity in the classrooms. Out goes any attempt to get children energized about the joy of learning. Rather, the school curriculum becomes: what’s the next standards-based test, and how can we make our students pass it. The more that pass, the money our school gets, and the more successful it is perceived to be. Ask any parent of a child in an accredited school: that’s what education has become. Shovel it what will be in the test, and regurgitate it out.
Makes me want to puke.
What happened to having the teachers that loved to actually teach? That were able to light that spark in children? They would stray from the curriculum, yes, but the children will learn.
Today, these teachers don’t get rewarded. Hell, teachers are treated like crap. Low pay. Long hours. Having to pay for supplies themselves.
Want to improve education? Simple: Provide a good learning environment for students, and pay teachers what they are worth! But we won’t see this happen, especially not from this president.
Sigh.
