This space explores issues in public education policy, and it advocates for a commitment to and a re-examination of the democratic purposes of schools. If there is some urgency in the message, it is due to the current reform efforts that are based on a radical re-invention of education, now spearheaded by a psychometric blitzkrieg of "metastasizing testing" aimed at dismantling a public education system that took almost 200 years to build. JH August, 2005
Thanks for posting this, Jim. I had read that the George W. Bush Institute was working on a PBS project but wasn't sure when it would appear. More info here @ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/22/george-w-bush-institute-t_n_400777.html
Interesting how both the men point to the absurdity of one principal fairly evaluating 30 (or more) teachers, while teachers themmselves are expected to be effective on multiple levels with 30 (or many more) students...
I am a little bothered by Mr. Rothstein's logic. He failed to point out the serious problems with standardized tests themselves. The assumption was that they are a great and effective way to evaluate teachers and schools. That assumption is highly flawed and therefore most of the discussion was irrelevant. We have to come up with better talking points than "narrowing the curriculum." He also should have brought up the many variables to student achievement that are beyond the control of the teacher. This was not a stellar performance.
Thanks for posting this, Jim. I had read that the George W. Bush Institute was working on a PBS project but wasn't sure when it would appear. More info here @ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/22/george-w-bush-institute-t_n_400777.html
ReplyDeleteInteresting how both the men point to the absurdity of one principal fairly evaluating 30 (or more) teachers, while teachers themmselves are expected to be effective on multiple levels with 30 (or many more) students...
ReplyDeleteI am a little bothered by Mr. Rothstein's logic. He failed to point out the serious problems with standardized tests themselves. The assumption was that they are a great and effective way to evaluate teachers and schools. That assumption is highly flawed and therefore most of the discussion was irrelevant. We have to come up with better talking points than "narrowing the curriculum." He also should have brought up the many variables to student achievement that are beyond the control of the teacher. This was not a stellar performance.
ReplyDeleteTo Monica above... brillant point.
ReplyDelete