Soapbox Tuesday
Tuesdays we look at what stupid thing the government is doing. Now you may think that statement shows a bias against the government, but the truth is if there was anything positive to talk about I would be all over it. There hasn’t been a positive government story in a very long time.
So California decided that to get your high school diploma you have to pass a test; a test that shows you have learned everything you should have in high school and are ready to move on to college or the work force. I personally like this idea. Before giving someone a certificate that says they are of a certain quality, you test to see of they’re of that quality. We do that for many things. Clothes are inspected and so are cars, so why not test the abilities of those who are going on in life.
This, at least to me, is a no brainer. How could this one be a problem? How could anyone be against this?
Sure enough, a group of students and their parents have filed lawsuits in hopes of getting a judge to grant an injunction against the tests. Now I understand a parent wanting the best for their child… but isn’t joining in on this lawsuit basically saying that your child can’t pass this test? Are they going to get bumper stickers “My kid couldn’t pass the high school exit exam”?
The side that’s against the exam claim that students in larger cities or minority dominant areas may get inferior teachers and are not prepared to pass the test. That is a reality that cannot be denied. But an independent research firm concluded that students are working harder and learning more because of the exam. Those who are struggling are now asking for and getting the help they need. In other words, the exam is motivating students to succeed.
The solution is not to eliminate this test, but use it as a tool to find out where the school system is failing and correct it. If a single student doesn’t pass a test, then a school will need to look at how to identify students in need and reach them earlier. But if a large portion of a student body doesn’t pass the changes in the school itself are necessary. Data from this test could help improve the public school system.
But of course, parents don’t look at the big picture. None of us would. We look to see how it affects us personally or our family. This is something I can understand and emphasize with. But at some point we have to do something to improve the system. We have to bite the bullet and make changes or we will be in the quagmire forever.
My hope is that the judge does not grant the injunction but I fear he will. Perhaps the state of California needs to not only propose the exam, but what to do with the students who don’t pass. How do you help them? There are still steps that need to be mapped out, but the steps forward still need to be made or we just end up standing still.
Tuesdays we look at what stupid thing the government is doing. Now you may think that statement shows a bias against the government, but the truth is if there was anything positive to talk about I would be all over it. There hasn’t been a positive government story in a very long time.
So California decided that to get your high school diploma you have to pass a test; a test that shows you have learned everything you should have in high school and are ready to move on to college or the work force. I personally like this idea. Before giving someone a certificate that says they are of a certain quality, you test to see of they’re of that quality. We do that for many things. Clothes are inspected and so are cars, so why not test the abilities of those who are going on in life.
This, at least to me, is a no brainer. How could this one be a problem? How could anyone be against this?
Sure enough, a group of students and their parents have filed lawsuits in hopes of getting a judge to grant an injunction against the tests. Now I understand a parent wanting the best for their child… but isn’t joining in on this lawsuit basically saying that your child can’t pass this test? Are they going to get bumper stickers “My kid couldn’t pass the high school exit exam”?
The side that’s against the exam claim that students in larger cities or minority dominant areas may get inferior teachers and are not prepared to pass the test. That is a reality that cannot be denied. But an independent research firm concluded that students are working harder and learning more because of the exam. Those who are struggling are now asking for and getting the help they need. In other words, the exam is motivating students to succeed.
The solution is not to eliminate this test, but use it as a tool to find out where the school system is failing and correct it. If a single student doesn’t pass a test, then a school will need to look at how to identify students in need and reach them earlier. But if a large portion of a student body doesn’t pass the changes in the school itself are necessary. Data from this test could help improve the public school system.
But of course, parents don’t look at the big picture. None of us would. We look to see how it affects us personally or our family. This is something I can understand and emphasize with. But at some point we have to do something to improve the system. We have to bite the bullet and make changes or we will be in the quagmire forever.
My hope is that the judge does not grant the injunction but I fear he will. Perhaps the state of California needs to not only propose the exam, but what to do with the students who don’t pass. How do you help them? There are still steps that need to be mapped out, but the steps forward still need to be made or we just end up standing still.
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