When Davis Guggenheim's film Waiting for Superman hit the theaters it caused a real stir. One problem with part of the film, the NAEP achievement levels were incorrectly stated. Yes, they got it wrong. The film claimed that 70% of 8th graders did not read at grade level. Interesting enough, the NAEP does not even report grade levels! Actually, NAEP reports that 76% of 8th graders are considered as "basic or above" in achievement levels.
Plenty of Americans have made the same assumptions as the film. They think American schools are failing. You will be surprised to learn that this assertion is false. The only real authoritative measure, over time, is the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Here are some of the results.
- In 1992 29% of the 4th graders, measured in reading, were rated as "proficient or advanced" while in 2011 34% were rated as "proficient or advanced." (This is a good trend)
- The same exact percentages, in 1992 and 2011, were reported for 8th graders (Again, a good trend).
Tomorrow I'll report on math scores.
In the end, you can be the judge!
Dick
Monday, September 30, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
More Ravitch and Common Sense
One of the reasons I find the recent Ravitch publication, "Reign of Error" so thoughtful, insightful and on target is because it not only uncovers some of the many 'errors' in thinking on the part of the corporate reformers but it also divulges ways in which real improvements can be made in today's schools.
As Ravitch points out, noted author Russell Rumberger - who heads the Dropout Research Project - says that what discourages students is not a college preparatory curriculum but; rather, a curriculum that develops their vocational and academic interests. What dropout students and those on their way to such a path need is an education that promotes motivation, perseverance and self esteem according to Rumberger.
Come to think of it, any student, college bound or not, needs are the above qualities. This is nothing new, just plain common sense.
Teachers, staff and, certainly, students who are 'dropping out' could well use an alteration in the curriculum being offered to them. Making students take A.P. courses, standardized testing, Honors courses, and hounding kids about attending college are not a prescription for preventing kids from dropping out. More importantly these aren't a prescription for aiding students in the best possible tradition of public education.
Dick
As Ravitch points out, noted author Russell Rumberger - who heads the Dropout Research Project - says that what discourages students is not a college preparatory curriculum but; rather, a curriculum that develops their vocational and academic interests. What dropout students and those on their way to such a path need is an education that promotes motivation, perseverance and self esteem according to Rumberger.
Come to think of it, any student, college bound or not, needs are the above qualities. This is nothing new, just plain common sense.
Teachers, staff and, certainly, students who are 'dropping out' could well use an alteration in the curriculum being offered to them. Making students take A.P. courses, standardized testing, Honors courses, and hounding kids about attending college are not a prescription for preventing kids from dropping out. More importantly these aren't a prescription for aiding students in the best possible tradition of public education.
Dick
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Rather Perplexing
The latest critic of American education is a man who I admired for many of his progressive and thoughtful ideas on a whole host of issues. His name is Thom Hartmann. He hasn't criticized teachers or the idea of public education but he sure is lamenting its condition.
I would submit to you, as I did in part yesterday, that nothing today is as it was in the 'good old days.' A parent was often home when a child came to and from school, there were no inclusion children labeled as such, Special Education did not exist in the curriculum, many students did not opt to attend college, and the population was rather homogeneous for the most part.
I am not criticizing the changes at all. In fact, in the long run, they will lead to improvements in the field of education. I am simply stating that the conditions under which we educate children today is vastly different than years ago. It is also a fact that government mandates have much to do with teaching and learning. In large part, the top educators of our day have too little power and sway when it comes to input on teaching and learning.
Thom has always been a champion of public education. Perhaps he still is but when one of our own is left perplexed and bewildered about the state of American education then we had better get to work.
Dick
I would submit to you, as I did in part yesterday, that nothing today is as it was in the 'good old days.' A parent was often home when a child came to and from school, there were no inclusion children labeled as such, Special Education did not exist in the curriculum, many students did not opt to attend college, and the population was rather homogeneous for the most part.
I am not criticizing the changes at all. In fact, in the long run, they will lead to improvements in the field of education. I am simply stating that the conditions under which we educate children today is vastly different than years ago. It is also a fact that government mandates have much to do with teaching and learning. In large part, the top educators of our day have too little power and sway when it comes to input on teaching and learning.
Thom has always been a champion of public education. Perhaps he still is but when one of our own is left perplexed and bewildered about the state of American education then we had better get to work.
Dick
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
More Ravitch
Diane makes a profound point in her book, "Reign of Error," about what corporate America - in terms of education - dislikes about our contemporary schools. They don't like unions, they say we are failing, our kids are behind those of other countries and more. So they have a whole shopping list of what is wrong with schools.
Ms. Ravitch also notes that there are other concerns that corporate America neglects to comment on. Those so called reformers rarely protest budget cuts to education nor do they weigh in on the growing influence of poverty on children and families living in such dire straits. They do not complain about increased class sizes faced by the students and teachers nor do they complain about the budget slashing that cuts art, shop, physical education, music, FACS programs.
These reformers close their eyes to for-profit charters that siphon funds from the classroom and they don't voice any concern about the idea of testing pre-kindergarten or kindergarten children. I have rarely heard complaints coming from 'reformers' concerning the fact that Education Service students are often disproportionately excluded from a good number of charters compared to the regular neighborhood public school.
So take it with a grain of salt. The next time you hear 'reformers' talk about what they dislike about American schools, check to see if they also dislike some of the above.
Thanks,
Dick
Ms. Ravitch also notes that there are other concerns that corporate America neglects to comment on. Those so called reformers rarely protest budget cuts to education nor do they weigh in on the growing influence of poverty on children and families living in such dire straits. They do not complain about increased class sizes faced by the students and teachers nor do they complain about the budget slashing that cuts art, shop, physical education, music, FACS programs.
These reformers close their eyes to for-profit charters that siphon funds from the classroom and they don't voice any concern about the idea of testing pre-kindergarten or kindergarten children. I have rarely heard complaints coming from 'reformers' concerning the fact that Education Service students are often disproportionately excluded from a good number of charters compared to the regular neighborhood public school.
So take it with a grain of salt. The next time you hear 'reformers' talk about what they dislike about American schools, check to see if they also dislike some of the above.
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Ravitch on Reform
Diane Ravitch has it right when she comments on the belief system of far too many of the so called reformers!! As Ms. Ravitch points out in "Reign of Error," many of these believers say that today's public schools are failing our children.
What the author points out is a historical perspective (truth) that escapes much of the public.
It has been an age old argument that our schools are failing. It is a belief steeped in myth. By the way, all of those who long for 'the good ole days,' need some schooling. In the past most of the children didn't even go to college and a fair number of students 'back then' didn't even attend school and a good number of them didn't even go on to graduate from high school.
In the past, children who are today labeled as disabled or Special Education more often than not didn't attend school, certainly if they did, it was rare that they graduated. 40, 500 or 60 years ago there were far fewer immigrants coming to the U.S. Not so today!!!
Before you drink the 'reformers' koolade that says todays schools 'aren't what they used to be,' some real fact checking needs to occur.
Dick
What the author points out is a historical perspective (truth) that escapes much of the public.
It has been an age old argument that our schools are failing. It is a belief steeped in myth. By the way, all of those who long for 'the good ole days,' need some schooling. In the past most of the children didn't even go to college and a fair number of students 'back then' didn't even attend school and a good number of them didn't even go on to graduate from high school.
In the past, children who are today labeled as disabled or Special Education more often than not didn't attend school, certainly if they did, it was rare that they graduated. 40, 500 or 60 years ago there were far fewer immigrants coming to the U.S. Not so today!!!
Before you drink the 'reformers' koolade that says todays schools 'aren't what they used to be,' some real fact checking needs to occur.
Dick
Monday, September 23, 2013
Well Done HC Varsity Boys Soccer!!
Take five senior Hinsdale Central varsity soccer players; Manos Proussaloglou, JD Garnett, Christian Meyer, TJ Schmidt and Max Krohn and give them a fundraiser and watch come through in a big way. That's just what they did at yesterday's KICK event.
These five boys coordinated a soccer-tennis tourney for 69 players, sought out corporate monetary donations, garnered gift certificates and secured plenty of refreshments for the participants. This effort was terrific in all regards.
The result, on a bright, sunny Sunday, was some great fun, fast action on the courts and a wonderful response in terms of raising funds. Because of the efforts of the boys, the players, parents and local community the seniors noted above raised over $8,000.00!! This is an all time record for KICK!
I want to thank the five boys who organized the event - along with their Mom's - and all the participants for making the day such a monumental success. Your efforts will surely allow many CPS children to obtain the necessary daily supplies they might otherwise go without.
Great stuff!!
Coach Flesher
These five boys coordinated a soccer-tennis tourney for 69 players, sought out corporate monetary donations, garnered gift certificates and secured plenty of refreshments for the participants. This effort was terrific in all regards.
The result, on a bright, sunny Sunday, was some great fun, fast action on the courts and a wonderful response in terms of raising funds. Because of the efforts of the boys, the players, parents and local community the seniors noted above raised over $8,000.00!! This is an all time record for KICK!
I want to thank the five boys who organized the event - along with their Mom's - and all the participants for making the day such a monumental success. Your efforts will surely allow many CPS children to obtain the necessary daily supplies they might otherwise go without.
Great stuff!!
Coach Flesher
Friday, September 20, 2013
Today's School Reformers
It is clear that the current message of the vast majority of corporate school 'reformers' is based on a whole host of issues. Most favor vouchers, support for-profit and not for-profit charters, back standardized testing, desire to see student test results mirrored in teacher evaluations and wish to see you unions limited or eliminated. By the way, they want to make cuts to various programs and are not hesistant about slashing budgets. These are but some ways reformers want to go about the business of public education.
This isn't reform, my friends, this is an attempt to lay the blame for alleged school failure (notice I said alleged) at the footsteps of the schools and America's public school teachers. If you don't think it's a blame game just look at some of the stories or editorials in major media outlets. By the way, just because a radio station, blog, tv network or cable station says education is broken doesn't mean it's so. How many people who castigate education rally understand the ins and outs of teaching and learning in the 21st century? Not that many.
A fair number of the so called 'reformers' do have a stake in the game. Some of them stand to make money through testing, preparing testing assessments, establishing corporate organizations to run various non-traditional public schools or by selling various ancillary services and products connected to these, and other, initiatives. Many have much to gain.
Take a closer look at these 'reformers.' Are they truly interested in helping a young person grow, mature and be the beneficiary of a well rounded education? Are their motives designed to allow young people to be exposed to new ideas? Do they really have the best interests of everyone in mind? You be the judge.
Dick
This isn't reform, my friends, this is an attempt to lay the blame for alleged school failure (notice I said alleged) at the footsteps of the schools and America's public school teachers. If you don't think it's a blame game just look at some of the stories or editorials in major media outlets. By the way, just because a radio station, blog, tv network or cable station says education is broken doesn't mean it's so. How many people who castigate education rally understand the ins and outs of teaching and learning in the 21st century? Not that many.
A fair number of the so called 'reformers' do have a stake in the game. Some of them stand to make money through testing, preparing testing assessments, establishing corporate organizations to run various non-traditional public schools or by selling various ancillary services and products connected to these, and other, initiatives. Many have much to gain.
Take a closer look at these 'reformers.' Are they truly interested in helping a young person grow, mature and be the beneficiary of a well rounded education? Are their motives designed to allow young people to be exposed to new ideas? Do they really have the best interests of everyone in mind? You be the judge.
Dick
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