Monday, October 14, 2013

Numbers Game

In my "progressive" school system, we used to treat student success on high-stakes standardized tests as a necessary evil; but now those unreliable numbers are gaining major traction as a valid measure of student, teacher, and school success. Clearly some of it is pragmatism, but how can calculating the number of sub-group students (to the tenths place) who must pass so that the school can achieve our federally mandated annually measured objectives be construed as anything but cynical?

I can just hear the conversations in our PLC now. Dang! We missed it my three tenths of an Asian.

2 comments:

  1. What you describe reminds me of c-sections. Used to be a necessary evil; but now those unreliable procedures are gaining major traction as a valid measure of doctor, hospital, and insurance company success!

    Sadly, this modus-operandi of dehumanizing children is rampant on so many levels in our modern society. These tests you mention do absolutely nothing but increase the power of the big wigs to recklessly control your sacred profession.

    Hang in there and consider yoga :-)

    You're the best of the best. When you leave in ___ years, there will really be nothing left behind, as a result of NCLB.

    Cheers.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Roula! As always, I appreciate your perspective and support!

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