Blog Entry 8 October 27

Question:

Neill says, "NCLB focuses on large-scale testing, which is a poor tool for diagnosing individual students' needs and for assessing higher order learning." Can you argue with him, presenting another perspective?

 

Response:

I agree that standardized testing is not the proper tool to assess individuals, however in a competitive world, individual assessments can be time consuming and extremely varaint. Considering the undergraduate application process, it would be very difficult for schools to accept applicants with no standard form of requirements. The amount of time that would go into taking individual characteristics and accomplishments into account would make room for a lot of bias and unstructured decision making. Although most colleges do not solely rely on test scores from the SAT/ACT, there is a need for this standard to "ensure" that the students applying are up to a certain acceptable level for success. Also migration is another reason for the need for more large-scale testing. This method of testing is more likely to increase the chances that a student who moves from South Dakota to Georgia will have at least been exposed to and tested on similar information.

Blog Entry 7 October 25

Question:

What parts of Hess's argument about the achievement gap make sense to you?

Response:

As a gifted student who attended a mediocre school, I can understand both sides of Hess' argument. I remember times in school where I would be bored and feel unchallenged because my teachers had to repeat information that someone else did not understand. A lot of times I felt that it was necessary and wanted to help as well, but sometimes I just wanted to move on. Being a minority student at a minority school made this a bit difficult. Not only was my school under-resourced in many ways, but my teachers were not prepared to teach an all inclusive class with students on different levels. It is harmful to focus all attention on students at the top or at the bottom or even in the middle. However, each student, no matter what level they are on should be able to get the attention and help they need in some way. Like Hess said, using technology to find ways to teach students is possible and should be attempted. I feel that teachers but a lot of pressure on themselves, and using the knowledge of teachers around them would lift the load and help all students.