Reply #29: I disagree [View All]

NCLB is not a uniquely American phenomenon. Standardized testing programs similar to it have been in place in Canada and the UK for decades and decades. These are good things and we NEED children to have base levels of knowledge. We also need to have the government through standardized testing provide at least 50% of a child's grade for a course so that we can ensure that nothing untoward is occurring in the classroom--eg it was found in British Columbia that boys were being more or less punished by their teachers and given much lower classroom grades than they managed on standardized tests. Likewise, we need safeguards against grade inflation. We need to know that an A is indeed an A (even with the ridiculously easy nature of the NCLB instruments). If schools won't or can't meet these humble targets, then they should be closed and reorganized.

Yes. Children should be treated like "little robots" in as much as we need to recognize the overwhelming need for a minimum level of basic programming. We need to know that children are capable of discrete and quantitative skills. That they have certain definite abilities. That they know certain facts and are equipped for a life time of learning.

If they are passed along--some stupid, pointless, dumb as shit social promotion nonsense--then they merely are set up for a far more profound and lasting level of failure. For you know what happens when those ill-educated children try to go to college? They get instantly and unceremoniously flunked out.

Stop coddling administrators, teachers and students. Hold the system to at least a minimum standard. It works in other parts of the world and it will work here.