tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post7785804493761743637..comments2024-03-29T04:34:05.185-04:00Comments on CURMUDGUCATION: Imagining National AssessmentPeter Greenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16511193640285760299noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6534665086749553287.post-77336997580107436422015-03-23T15:09:40.038-04:002015-03-23T15:09:40.038-04:00Dear Mr. Greene:
I see you have begun to set us u...Dear Mr. Greene:<br /><br />I see you have begun to set us up with lots of articles to read and ponder while you attend the Network for Public Education Conference. Very nice. Thanks!<br /><br />But...Were you unable to get a Substitute Kvetcher? I'm here to help.<br /><br />I have a comment/suggestion/stickypoint. You are always attacking the Reformers for saying, “Parents and teachers want standardized tests so they know how their child or students are doing.” You then say that neither group wants this. It seems to me that an independent observer would conclude that there is no data to back up either position.<br /><br />Should you find yourself seated next to a representative of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, perhaps you could propose that they conduct just such a survey. The questions would have to leave no wiggle room, though. To “know how their child is doing” parents would choose either “conferences or calls with my child's teacher” or “test scores reported by the state.” To grade students, teachers would choose either “my grade book” or “test scores received back from test companies” (and yes, grades for the year could not be issued until the scores came in.) There might be a bonus parent question, “I have opted my child out of state testing: Yes/No” just to inform/ entertain/ or inflame.<br /><br />Test companies get billions and classroom spending is slashed again. This is an either/or thing in terms of time, talent, and money. (That was what Diane Ravitch said at last year's NPE, correct?) So this question has to be framed like that old Union song, “Which Side Are You on?” <br /><br />It would be nice timing for this NPE group to take this question to the national level of discourse, and agree to Make Public Schools a Campaign Issue in 2016. Personally, I have decided to support and maybe even work for a third party candidate who makes this a main issue of his or her candidacy. I'm tired of being taken for granted.<br /><br />See? Plenty of kvetching! People were not sent away unsatisfied with the level of griping, grumbling, and grousing in this comment.<br /><br />Have Fun! But, Remember to Take Good Notes. Test on Monday. :)!<br /><br />LeilaLeilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02447044081130341196noreply@blogger.com