Submitted by Kelsey (not verified) on September 8, 2007 - 12:44.
I am puzzled when I see people talk about how our public education system has been so horribly inadequate for so many years. Isn't it amazing that we are the most powerful country in the world - economically, militarily, and politically- under these circumstances? We must really have pulled the wool over the eyes of the citizens of other countries who send their children here to be educated.
Bryan Wilkins says teachers taught what they whimisically decided and high school diplomas meant nothing. Having taught for 7 years in a private college prep school and now 7 years in a public school, I can say I have much more admiration for the professionalism of teachers. Teachers I know have always been dedicated to the content of their disciplines and making sure their students are prepared to work at the next level, regardless of testing. And, of course, diplomas are the same for special ed kids and valedictorians - that's why we have transcripts that delineate courses and grades.
The intent of NCLB may have been admirable. But the consequences it has wrought are diminishing educational opportunities. Scripted reading programs for all students regardless of individual reading levels, no time for math, science, recess, or the sort of project-based learning touted on this website are the norm in my region in California.
While I disagree with Stacy Sinclair that the work of administrators has improved since the implementation of NCLB, I most vehemently disagree with her implication that the federal government is appropriately holding back tax money from the states who refuse to comply with NCLB. Our government is "We the People", and it is our money they have taken from us and are now holding back. In California we already pay more money in Federal taxes than we receive in return. The 7% is not a gift from the Federal government to us. It is our money, and it is not appropriate for them to use it to control what is supposed to be a locally controlled agency.
I am no Pollyanna when it comes to education. I became a teacher because I felt I had been shortchanged in my own education and I want to make a difference in the lives of others. My own children have had good teachers and at least one bad one. However, as NCLB has a greater impact on schools year and year, I am troubled by the devastating effect it is having on schools, for both students and teachers.
pre nclb horror??
Submitted by Kelsey (not verified) on September 8, 2007 - 12:44.
I am puzzled when I see people talk about how our public education system has been so horribly inadequate for so many years. Isn't it amazing that we are the most powerful country in the world - economically, militarily, and politically- under these circumstances? We must really have pulled the wool over the eyes of the citizens of other countries who send their children here to be educated.
Bryan Wilkins says teachers taught what they whimisically decided and high school diplomas meant nothing. Having taught for 7 years in a private college prep school and now 7 years in a public school, I can say I have much more admiration for the professionalism of teachers. Teachers I know have always been dedicated to the content of their disciplines and making sure their students are prepared to work at the next level, regardless of testing. And, of course, diplomas are the same for special ed kids and valedictorians - that's why we have transcripts that delineate courses and grades.
The intent of NCLB may have been admirable. But the consequences it has wrought are diminishing educational opportunities. Scripted reading programs for all students regardless of individual reading levels, no time for math, science, recess, or the sort of project-based learning touted on this website are the norm in my region in California.
While I disagree with Stacy Sinclair that the work of administrators has improved since the implementation of NCLB, I most vehemently disagree with her implication that the federal government is appropriately holding back tax money from the states who refuse to comply with NCLB. Our government is "We the People", and it is our money they have taken from us and are now holding back. In California we already pay more money in Federal taxes than we receive in return. The 7% is not a gift from the Federal government to us. It is our money, and it is not appropriate for them to use it to control what is supposed to be a locally controlled agency.
I am no Pollyanna when it comes to education. I became a teacher because I felt I had been shortchanged in my own education and I want to make a difference in the lives of others. My own children have had good teachers and at least one bad one. However, as NCLB has a greater impact on schools year and year, I am troubled by the devastating effect it is having on schools, for both students and teachers.