May 26, 2006

Memorial Day Dust-Up

Who wants to suggest a nice controversial edu-topic that I can write-up quickly today that we can use for comment fodder this weekend. Only the hardcore will be reading edublogs this weekend, so we might as well give them something they can fight about all weekend long.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't like arguing. I like learning. I keep trying to see if I am missing something. OK, here is my topic:

With such a large opinion-based idea of what what constitutes a good fundamental (K-8) education, why do these schools oppose parental choice (unrestricted charter schools and/or full vouchers)?

KDeRosa said...

I'm not a big fan of arguing just for the sake of arguing either; however, I find I learn a lot in a serious debate when I am forced to defend my positions. Even when I disagree, I often find that I've modified my position afterwards, even if very slightly, which usually means I've learned asomething.

Anonymous said...

How about the new math panel and the inevitable accusations of bias that will be coming down the pike?

SusanS

1citizen said...

Here in Wisconsin, the results of the 3rd, 4th, 8th and 10th grade state tests are out. Once again, our kids are brilliant. But then I read that the test was devised by Wisconsin educators. It's also administered, graded, "adjusted" (cut scores), and results distributed by the same bunch.
if this was Big Oil or Enron, there would already be Senate investigations.

Miller

1citizen said...

btw., yes I am alleging fraud and cooking the books.

miller

KDeRosa said...

Here is Pennsylvania, they added a writing portion to the PSSA state exams. Apparently, the teachers' union had a say where the cut scores would be.

1citizen said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
1citizen said...

http://www.schoolinfosystem.org
/archives/2006/05/baraboo_board_
m.php

Last post link didn't show up. See link for most outrageous edu-news of the week. And no, it's not me.

Anonymous said...

"It's also administered, graded, "adjusted" (cut scores), and results distributed by the same bunch."

Our state educational hierarchy calls this being proactive. The idea is not to fight NCLB, but to make it your own. Around here, Standards-Based Education is not what you would think it means. It's more like low and fuzzy standards. That's why our schools are rated "High Performing", but 25 percent of the kids go to private schools because of low expectations.

Unknown said...

Even when I disagree, I often find that I've modified my position afterwards, even if very slightly, which usually means I've learned something.

Ditto, Ken. I knew there was a reason I liked you. New riposte is up, by the by.

I read Steve's phrase "opinion-based idea of what constitutes a good fundamental (K-8) education" and wondered what I would write.

What would you write?

I could make a go at it, but I like to stick to texts.

Anonymous said...

I was just about to put up a post entitled "hardcore Engelmann..."

Anonymous said...

The War Against Grammar, which Verghis recommends, has convinced me that a formal study of grammar, including sentence diagramming, should be included in any sound K-12 education.