No Child Left Behind: Good or Bad?

Are you kidding? I graduated from high school in the early 70s and had to take algebra and geometry before my junior year. If the hippies could manage it, I would think this computer saavy generation could. (I'm gonna go look for my rose colored glasses now)

 

I couldn't handle algebra and geometry, even in my College Math class my one saving grace that gave me a D+ in it was they had trade mathematics in enough of the course. That was enough with my grades in accounting to get my degree at the time they made the standard a C now.

I just think that the high standards are good but there has to be something for students who if they do poorly in the 8th Grade FCAT for example in Florida to do a alternative path focusing on vocational training. Allowing one to earn a standard diploma and a credential of some sort in a trade or profession. Say for the bottom performing 25% of students. And for those least likely to go to a four year college a good vocational and pre-post high school education option say the students scoring under and around the middle of the standards set.

And naturally far broader and stronger assessment than just the standard NCLB testing.

 

But you are being practical (a good thing). Many parents would not accept being told their child was one of those lower 25%, and so lawsuits, discrimination cases, test bias complaints, etc... would result. Don't forget the special interest groups who have nothing better to do than take up causes in the interest of publicity. And my favorite: Social Promotion.

I think your idea has merit but the implementation would be difficult. Mostly because there are bright students who just haven't had adequate education/preparation to bring them up to a level to do well on standardized tests. In addition, some subjects can be mastered through reinforcement (although time may be a factor). Thus potentially resulting in holding a student back a year for additional instruction.

Regardless, it's a good thing that you are at least concerned and looking for solutions.

 

My school division loves social promotion. It doesn't matter if a kid can't tell you the alphabet. They'll pass 'em along. I had so many kids in my 9th grade classes that failed every 8th grade class they had. In fact, many of those kids have failed every class, every year, and have NEVER passed a state assessment test. Doesn't matter though. They get to high school, and that's where the real fun begins. They don't pass the classes, they don't pass the tests, and so they can't graduate. Thus they drop out.

It's pretty sad. On Tuesday I had my kids write letters to Obama addressing what they believed was the most critical issue the US was facing. Not only was their writing horrible, a huge chunk of the kids didn't even know their mailing addresses.

Part of the problem we're facing is that education is being left to the government. There has to be some parental responsibility somewhere.

-Matt

 

Sad.

Oddly, I do believe in social promotion in grade school (for ONE year only). When you're like 6 it could mess with you a lot, at 11/12 it's suck-it-up time. By the time you reach middle school, you have the emotional setup to deal with it.

I agree, the parents need to take a much larger role in their children's lives overall.

I am reminded of a recent court case where the child was shot at school, and the parents sued the school not because the kid got shot but because they believed that the school should have controlled their own child's wardrobe and makeup. So they literally wanted the school to purchase clothes (and have them on hand), forcably undress their teenage child AT SCHOOL everyday, make the kid shower, re-dress their child during school hours, confiscate the kid's own clothing destroy it. Gee, which part of this isn't going to work? The parents tried to push this on the school before the shooting, and the school declined citing laws protecting the kid (smart move).

The thing is, if you want your kid to do XYZ, look like XYZ or study XYZ hours -- make them do it yourself! You're the parent.

 

I have looked at sample test booklets of the NAEP and read Charles Murray's book Real Education, among others. I tend to agree that although stronger education for disadvantaged students helps but there seem to be major problems with some of their tests.

I will use an example from Murray's book pages 59-60 for reference.

The Anasazi made beautiful pottery, turquoise jewelry, fine sashes of woven hair and baskets woven tightly enough to hold water. They lived by hunting and growing corn ans squash. Their way of life went on peacefully for several hundred years. Then around 1200 AD something strange happened, for which the reasons are not quite clear.

Here is the testing item I will note.: The Anasazi's life before 1200 AD was portrayed by the author as being.

a. dangerous and warlike
b. busy and exciting
c. difficult and dreary
d. productive and peaceful

41% of eighth graders did no choose D. Around 55% did not know the right answer.

Now I logiaclly assume an eigth grader would be able to read this as Murray does even low performers that is basic literacy. And could understand 1200 AD. But there is a logical inference to understand making things is productive and that is rather sophistacted thought. An average student might get that well enough and an advanced student but what about a low performer? Does anyone here understand the fundamental problems of a chronic low performing student who will never likely get such nuances as logical inferences and using search strategies to get information on say a bus transfer in a bus schedule which is another example in his book.

And in a article in the paper today was another example very high performing children who are bored at school even with gifted programs.

So two sides of the problem students performing at the bottom 30% and the ones at the top 30% of their grade level are being left out long term. And why I despise NCLB and Federal mandates over state education its not constructive its destructive at several levels.

As for my son I would hope he learns a trade a barber who he works for a little sweeping and tending clients on Saturdays, an uncle, seems to think he can apprentice in his profession once he turns sixteen. And he actually likes the idea my son a barber, that would be nice. But I am going to see him earn his High School diploma and gets pushed to be the best he can be, that is why he is attending a private school. Its a sacrifice for everyone and his sister is helping but that is my duty as his father. People forget that the childs education is not a matter for the state but for the parents, its our duty and obligation each child is ready for adulthood. And shall I say one more parents shirk leaving it to the state. And I fear public school will just sap not aid his love for learning and bettering himself.