Standards Based Education...

I am a big fan of public schools. I know many of you are not but I am. Sure, I have my complaints with my own public schools. They range from the school department wasting money to the city having a less than overwhelming commitment to their special needs students but overall I think public schools are a good thing.

Or I did. Now, I am not so sure. For the record, my children are doing fine. All of them, while far from perfect, are at grade level and are bringing home acceptable or better than acceptable grades. They are all learning and progressing. It's going well.

But change is just around the corner--again.

Having been victim of more than one fad in education--whether it be open classrooms that allowed me to listen to the history lesson the teacher in the next room was giving rather than my own math lesson or the do-your-own-thing that would have allowed me to build skyscrapers out of popsicle sticks rather than do math had that been my inclination--I am more than nervous about the switch in my school district to what is confusingly referred to as "standards based education."

What is that? Good question. I observed, for an education class, in a charter school that had made the switch and I still can't fully explain it.

First, we do away with grades--no more grades. Then we do away with levels--with the exception of AP. We group everyone together so each class has bottom, middle and top level students. And now for each subject matter we list twelve standards. (Sometimes they do away with class designation--no more freshmen, sophopmores--just stuents) Each student works toward achieving those standards and may do so at anytime. So, a freshman can achieve all of his social studies standards.

By the way, it is possible to shorten your highschool career in the classroom. In fact, that is one of the hopes so that the student can then participate in internships and community service stuff.

No one is ever not achieving the standard by the way--you have either exceeded the standard, achieved the standard, are close to achieving it or working towards it.

Content may be presented in any way the teacher deems fit so long as it follows the scope and sequence which means so long as you go in order. This translates into some teachers thinking that the way to teach about our government is to have the students research whether or not they think Puerto Rico should be made a state rather than studying the Constitution. This, because both qualify as a way to study power, those with it and without it and the role government plays in the lives of people.

Excuse me...but no.

There are, in fact, somethings that should not be optional--a study of the Constitution is one of those things. Replacing it with a study of whether or not Puerto Rico should become a state doesn't do that. That is not to say that Puerto Rican statehood shouldn't be studied it just isn't a study in the Constitution.

And so, I am left wondering if I can supplement my children's education enough to make it a worthwhile education. I am left wondering how colleges are going to recieve this new fangled education fad. I am left wondering how I teach my kids that there are objective measures that tell how well you are doing in an area of study. How do you do that if there are no grades? How do you show the kid he can do better if he works harder?

I have to tell you, even with the much touted conservative-love-child-voucher program we could not afford to send our kids to religious or private school and by the way, those schools are going right along with this fad. It makes for happier parents-no failing grades. It feed the self-esteem beast "educators" are so completely in love with. It makes education "look pretty" while teaching very little.

And so, I am left to wonder how does a parent ensure that their children learn what they need to to function in the world when the world is constantly not interested in having children learn.

Chris

Comments

[Matt Hurley]

This is what you get when you let the inmates, I mean the unions, run the asylums...

As for the private and charter schools, I can guarentee you that those kids are actually being taught...because if they weren't, those schools wouldn't stay in business (at least the private ones any way...I'm not a big fan of the charter schools anyway)

Parents need to be invovled in the education process. We lost this battle when the parents decided that they couldn't be bothered with it and the government said, "Okay. We'll take the responsibility of teaching your kids." Be afraid of any government scheme to "help" you...you lose control when the government takes it.

[Chris]

I agree--kinda--the private schools stay in business because parents aren't really concerned with actual learning anymore they are concerned with the appearance of learning. They want good grades to go to good colleges. No one is willing to let their child fail anymore...and failing is part of life. Seems like we are raising a generation of kids without life skills and they can't read or write a decent sentence either but hey they feel good about themselves...grrrr...

[HC]

The problems you have in your schools are unheard of in my State. So, I just do not know what to tell you what to do. Maybe Protest.

[RD]

HC, you've inspired me. Let's see, the state capitals.

Iowa - Des Moines
New York - Albany
Denial - it's on the tip of my tongue, give me a minute, nope.

We'll that was 66% - is that an A or A-.

Have you heard this one? How do you pronounce the capital of Kentucky - LouiSville with the "S" or Louieville with the "E".

The answer is .....

The capital of Kentucky is Frankfort. Ha Ha.

[HC]

Or maybe move to NJ.

[SSG Rob]

The only other problem with our public schools here that I haven't already mentioned is historical revisionism. When I bring it to the teachers and principals attention, they agree, then they pass the buck by saying to complain to the state since they make the standards and the teachers must follow the state mandated standards.

[RD]

I'm venturing in above my pay grade, but I had an interesting conversation with someone that was more in tune. You know the old saw, you don't want to watch how sausage and laws are made. Well, add to the list - textbooks. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I defer to the experts...

[JFH]

I've done some consulting for McGraw-Hill, so I'm biting my tongue on the textbook issue.

RD - The one I always use is:
"I can never remember is the capital of Kentucy Louisville or Lexington?"

[JFH]

I'm for school choice, provided that we means test for vouchers. This, by the way is a HUGE issue in SC. Maybe I'll create a post on the positives and negatives as it applies to my state to see if it applies to, say, NV, CT, RI or CA, for examples...

[George L.]

I too experienced the open classroom fiasco. I also found the adjacent political-science class more interesting than my math class…go figure! I can appreciate educators continually trying to figure out a better way to teach children, but they need to understand when they’re going backwards. How many times can you re-invent the wheel? Two plus two will always be four. I also believe that some (not all) of these so-called “progressive educators” dreaming up this new curriculum do so to perpetuate their employment. Instead of constantly putting forth these “enlightened” innovations they should be focusing on the basic reading, writing and arithmetic.
I will relate an interesting story. Some of my girlfriend’s daughter’s schoolmates stopped over the house while I was watching on the History channel. Curious as to what these youngsters were studying these days, I quizzed them about their history/social studies class. They informed me that that week they were studying American Justice. I said “well that’s interesting, tell me about it”. They went on to tell me that the teacher wheeled in a TV from the AV dept. and they watched “Bad Boys” (Whatcha gonna do when they come for you). Give me a break! Look, if the teacher told them to watch that or something even better on the History channel and write a report for extra credit I could understand. Even better, read a book. TV should not be classroom time. All this feel good bull shit is for the birds. Elementary kids can no longer get a star on well done assignment because (heaven forbid) other kids may feel bad. Some schools don’t even grade with A’s,B’s,C’s or D’s anymore. Not even satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Complete and incomplete shouldn’t offend to many.
Don’t even get me started on the dodgeball prohibition! Below is a funny E-mail someone sent me.

Teaching Math in our Schools
Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.
Why do I tell you this?
BECAUSE OF THE EVOLUTION IN TEACHING MATH SINCE THE 1950s:

Teaching Math In 1950
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1960
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Math In 1990
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

Teaching Math In 2005
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. ! El costo de la producción es $80.

[Lee]

George L.

Not in Compton!

A Playah has 4 Hoes in his stable.
3 bring in $500.00 each after working all night.
The 4th skims off a 'C' so she only turns in $400.00.
How much does he net after paying off the crooked cops?
----

The capital of KY...last time I checked is the same as it is all over the USA..

The almighty dollar!

[Searsie]

My kids went to a private religious school. (Oh, what we gave up to accomplish that!!) My older son, in first grade!!! was told by his teacher that there were many students waiting for his seat!!

My God!! But , it was true!!!

I wish evry kid thought that his "seat" was desired by someone and his oportunity was to show he deserved to be there.

[Lee]

Searsie

Someone would want your 'son's 1st grade seat if he went to never-neverland..

Oh no I didn't ay that did I

I am so bad...:0)

It's NBA weekend here in Vegas this week!
And Tim Hardaway just made a fool out of himself with his anti-gay statements....

Also Chinese New Year starts Sunday.

It's the year of the pig...No comments please!

Vega$ i$ full of black and Chine$e people with pocketful$ of ca$h. All pretty people too!
No Steve Nash...No Yao Ming...No AI..They hurtin'

Vega$ Baby!

[Lee]

Searsie

Someone would want your 'son's 1st grade seat if he went to never-neverland..

Oh no I didn't ay that did I

I am so bad...:0)

It's NBA weekend here in Vegas this week!
And Tim Hardaway just made a fool out of himself with his anti-gay statements....

Also Chinese New Year starts Sunday.

It's the year of the pig...No comments please!

Vega$ i$ full of black and Chine$e people with pocketful$ of ca$h. All pretty people too!
No Steve nash...No Yao Ming...No AI..They hurtin'

Vega$ Baby!

[Searsie]

You go Lee! Whatever!!! My son, that we speak of, is now 28 but was a basketball star in high school and a basketball fan now!

[NerdMom]

Until the system changes and all schools are run like businesses I recommend homeschooling. Yes, these kids are getting accepted to colleges and even getting preferred treatment. You can then focus on what you kids needs even if that is an enrichment class with tutor.

[Chris]

Sorry NerdMom, I don't believe in homeschooling. I've read some of your things and clicked through to some of your other links on homeschooling and I find the whole thing to be tragic. Seems to me just an excuse to not expose your children to different people and different ideas. Seems like an excuse to not teach them how to deal with different things and to face the fact that "life isn't fair." The whole unschooling or whatever it is called is the homeschool version of montessori or do your own thing. I often wonder how the kid who wanted to play with popsicle sticks rather than do his math balances his checkbook.

[SSG Rob]

Actually Chris, I met homeschooled kids when I was in college and they were more than ready. I say again, there is more than one way to raise a child.

[NerdMom]

Chris, you wound me;). I am not an unschooler so I am not going to address all that. I am an over structured Republican so we all know I have a set of curriculum;). It is a tool to control what your kids are exposed to but what exactly should my 5 yr old be exposed to that I wouldn't approve of? I remember the things my siblings learned at that age: how to deal with a bully, sexual terms and if course cuss words not to mention a bad attitude. As far as learning life isn't fair, I have 4 (well, 3 1/2) kids. If that doesn't teach life isn't fair what does?;) As far as academics, we have all heard about how many graduating seniors can't balance their checkbook (I can get you #'s if you would like). I agree with SSG Rob that there is more than 1 way to raise a child.

[Searsie]

If a parent has the motivation and dedication to home school, I think it's a wonderful thing. (And there is proof of their success) I agree with Rob - many ways. You don't have to hand them over to "the village"!

[Chris]

I certainly agree that there is more than one way to raise a child and as I tell my liberal friends all the time --tolerating things doesn't equal advocating them. I fully recognize your right to homeschool, it's just that I don't like the idea. Here's why:

Life contains bullies, sexual terms and cuss words. Should it? That's a separate discussion. Shielding kids, in my opinion, doesn't lead to raising kids that can deal with those things well. It also doesn't lend itself to developing appropriate social interaction skills. I have friends who have way more money than me and they raise their children differently --teenagers who have never held a job and are bought brand new cars, teenagers with disabilities who recieve WAY MORE help from Mom and Dad than they ought to so that they can make honor roll in college prep courses when those achievements are not their own--and when we talk about why and how they are doing it compared to me I always tell them that their children will have different opportunities than mine. Their children will have money to live on whether they get a job or not. They think it is acceptable for their kids to live at home until they are in their late 20's to thirties. I can't afford to coddle them like that. My kids earn their grades--whatever they are-- they do chores, they get punished, they get teased and on occasion bullied. We work through the bad stuff. We teach coping skills and avoidance when necessary because some day they will grow up and I will die and they will have to be self-suficient. They will have to get jobs and pay their bills and deal with bosses and co-workers that are not nice and on and on and on...Skills to do that develop over a lifetime and are easier to learn at a nearly age.

Are your kids going to be able to live in a world where everyone was homeschooled and don't curse and don't bully? If so, good for you. My kids won't have that opportunity so...we deal with the real world every day so that they can deal with the real world on their own when I am not here.

The argument that kids should be shielded until they are old enough to deal with the harsh ways of the world is OK--except it doesn't work. Do you teach your kids about the War on Terror? Did you tell them or let them read/watch about Katrina? How about the wounded soldiers coming home?

That stuff is part of their lives--some of it will be part of their daily existence for their entire lives--like the WOT--so avoiding and ignorance is not an option.

[Searsie]

I must say that so many public school educated kids that I know are fine, upstanding, smart and honorable and go on to wonderful educations and lives. Also, some Religiously educated kids who mess up their educations and their lives (my older son got into lots of trouble!!) There are devoted and dedicated and truly wonderful parents whose child goes astray. There are crappy parents whose children flourish amazingly in lives of integrity and honor despite their parents.
That's just life! We are all in it together and trying our best!

[Searsie]

Chris, it sounds like your kids get alot of "homeschooling" from you in addition to their other school. I know that you have some special needs involved and public scool actually is the right place - though you have to really be involved (which is kinda home schooling too in a way - the involvement and research going into being an advocate for your kid.

I bet you hate when people say "God gives those kids to special people who can handle it" (I would reply "Gee, wish I was a crappy and weak person and I woulda got a really perfect kid"!!) But, I believe in a plan and many people suddenly become the person they never knew they could be but were meant to be.

[Lee]

Searsie..."God gives those kids to special people who can handle it"

That's an example of religious mumbo-jumbo that I referred to in the thread about Scottie's military Hero....

I got bar-B-Que'd.....

I'm glad you have the guts to tackle that silly crap too...