http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i1400550
Supporters of standardized testing claim that it is an important standard to make sure students have basic math and reading skills. They can help identify weaknesses in individuals and the school. But some states require these tests in order to graduate, which may put into question the future of some students. They call them "high stakes tests" because they have such a large impact on students' lives. Critics argue that these tests don't raise kids' grades or achievement levels. They highlight the disadvantage that minorities and low income students have in preparing for the test. Standardized tests do not accurately measure the skills students need to succeed after high school, and research has shown that the exams do not reflect academic achievement.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Research Paper Sources 3
http://www.2facts.com/icof_story.aspx?PIN=i0502310
Schools have supported standardized testing to determine the performance level of its students.
Opponents argue that standardized tests don't accurately measure students' abilities. They are also biased against students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It discourages actual learning, as teachers start "teaching for the test" instead of promoting real learning. People are also against government intervention and believe that state or local governments should be in charge of education standards. Others point out that "standardized tests emphasize the wrong kind of learning". Knowledge is more than memorizing facts or methods.
But proponents argue that these tests are the only way to measure success objectively, as school grades are partially subjective. It also helps to identify specific areas of improvement.
Schools have supported standardized testing to determine the performance level of its students.
Opponents argue that standardized tests don't accurately measure students' abilities. They are also biased against students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It discourages actual learning, as teachers start "teaching for the test" instead of promoting real learning. People are also against government intervention and believe that state or local governments should be in charge of education standards. Others point out that "standardized tests emphasize the wrong kind of learning". Knowledge is more than memorizing facts or methods.
But proponents argue that these tests are the only way to measure success objectively, as school grades are partially subjective. It also helps to identify specific areas of improvement.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Research Paper Sources 2
http://www.bedrugfree.net/SAT.pdf
(around 20 pages)
- This document questions what use the SAT has. It asks "what is it that the SAT measures? The answer is not so clear, and therein lies one of the main problems with the SAT. If we cannot be sure what it is that the SAT measures, how can we then use it to determine something as important as one’s entire future?" This point is extremely important since high schoolers spend hours and hours preparing for a test that might not show their real potential. When the SAT was created, it was supposed to test potential for college success, not intelligence or knowledge. To some degree it does benefit home schooled children and students of poorer schools. But it is getting to be influenced by the degree of preparation. The underprivileged could use their SAT scores to make a level playing field with students from better schools but those students in better schools have access to better study material, giving them and unfair advantage.
(around 20 pages)
- This document questions what use the SAT has. It asks "what is it that the SAT measures? The answer is not so clear, and therein lies one of the main problems with the SAT. If we cannot be sure what it is that the SAT measures, how can we then use it to determine something as important as one’s entire future?" This point is extremely important since high schoolers spend hours and hours preparing for a test that might not show their real potential. When the SAT was created, it was supposed to test potential for college success, not intelligence or knowledge. To some degree it does benefit home schooled children and students of poorer schools. But it is getting to be influenced by the degree of preparation. The underprivileged could use their SAT scores to make a level playing field with students from better schools but those students in better schools have access to better study material, giving them and unfair advantage.
Research Paper Sources
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/when-an-adult-took-standardized-tests-forced-on-kids/2011/12/05/gIQApTDuUO_blog.html
- Valerie Strauss features an article written by Marion Brady. Her friend, a successful adult with "a big house in a good part of town. Paid-for condo in the Caribbean. Influential friends". But when he attempted to take standardized tests that are required of high school students he was shocked to find that "something is seriously wrong. I have a bachelor of science degree, two masters degrees, and 15 credit hours toward a doctorate". Yet he got a 62% on reading section and guessed on most of the math section. Ir brings up the question of the real worth of these tests in content and the way they are used.
http://www.economist.com/node/15580109
- Here, the No Child Left Behind policy uses standardized tests to determine the level of achievement of kids in Georgia. The test defines their intelligence. In this way it looses its meaning as "13 teachers in Georgia were punished for cheating, including the principal and assistant principal at one elementary school". The test is only a way to boost the school's image not increase the children's knowledge.
- Valerie Strauss features an article written by Marion Brady. Her friend, a successful adult with "a big house in a good part of town. Paid-for condo in the Caribbean. Influential friends". But when he attempted to take standardized tests that are required of high school students he was shocked to find that "something is seriously wrong. I have a bachelor of science degree, two masters degrees, and 15 credit hours toward a doctorate". Yet he got a 62% on reading section and guessed on most of the math section. Ir brings up the question of the real worth of these tests in content and the way they are used.
http://www.economist.com/node/15580109
- Here, the No Child Left Behind policy uses standardized tests to determine the level of achievement of kids in Georgia. The test defines their intelligence. In this way it looses its meaning as "13 teachers in Georgia were punished for cheating, including the principal and assistant principal at one elementary school". The test is only a way to boost the school's image not increase the children's knowledge.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Marking Period 4: Columnist - European Economics
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/opinion/europe-v-world.html?ref=opinion
Edwin Truman focuses this article on the economic situation in Europe. Basically, Europe wants the stronger countries in its area (Germany,) and other countries, like America to help bail itself out. The U.S does not want to get too involved, as we have our own economic problems. But Truman believes that the U.S needs to show more leadership in setting concrete goals that Greece, Italy, and other European countries must follow in order to get loans or bail outs. He suggests a lower debt requirement, repaid loans to the IMF, and setting aside money specifically to help Europe. Here we see the issue of foreign nations interfering in another countries' problems. In the past it has led the U.S into bad situations like the current one in Afghanistan. As a country we have to way these consequences against an economic collapse.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Marking Period 4: Columnist- Education
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/opinion/kristof-the-value-of-teachers.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Nicholas Kristof summarizes the importance of good teachers. He brings up a study that discovered that having a poor teacher is the same as missing 40 percent of the school year! Also, having good teachers can increase your chance of going to college, getting a good job, and receiving a higher salary. Because of these positive effects, Kristof believes that education should be a major source political discussion/reform. To his disappointment, hiring better teachers is not the first priority of our government. Maybe this is because of the American fear of socialism, or due to the fact that the state and federal governments lack the funds for this reform. Budget cuts were mostly enacted in schools where the government cut fine arts programs and fired teachers. This should not be happening. Because of the large impact a teacher has on the student, America should be improving the quality of its teachers, not reducing their numbers.
Nicholas Kristof summarizes the importance of good teachers. He brings up a study that discovered that having a poor teacher is the same as missing 40 percent of the school year! Also, having good teachers can increase your chance of going to college, getting a good job, and receiving a higher salary. Because of these positive effects, Kristof believes that education should be a major source political discussion/reform. To his disappointment, hiring better teachers is not the first priority of our government. Maybe this is because of the American fear of socialism, or due to the fact that the state and federal governments lack the funds for this reform. Budget cuts were mostly enacted in schools where the government cut fine arts programs and fired teachers. This should not be happening. Because of the large impact a teacher has on the student, America should be improving the quality of its teachers, not reducing their numbers.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Marking Period 4: Columnist- Environment
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/opinion/krugman-springtime-for-toxics.html
This week, Paul Krugman, a columnist for the New York Times, writes about the EPA standard on mercury and air toxins for power plants. In his own opinion, this is a wonderful action by the EPA. Mercury from power plants gets in the water supply and fish that we use, endangering unborn and young children. But, he explains, from a Republican point of view these regulations are not good news. He compares current Republican attitudes to previous years. In 2008, it was "possible to be both a Republican in good standing and a serious environmentalist" exemplified in John McCain's statements on global warming.
This week, Paul Krugman, a columnist for the New York Times, writes about the EPA standard on mercury and air toxins for power plants. In his own opinion, this is a wonderful action by the EPA. Mercury from power plants gets in the water supply and fish that we use, endangering unborn and young children. But, he explains, from a Republican point of view these regulations are not good news. He compares current Republican attitudes to previous years. In 2008, it was "possible to be both a Republican in good standing and a serious environmentalist" exemplified in John McCain's statements on global warming.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Marking Period 3: Synthesis
David Ignatius focuses his writing on world issues that have effects in many countries. Because he has a wide range of topics and looks into the actions of many countries, his outlook on society is a little more optimistic. He sees countries that cycle in and out of power and believes that success doesn't last forever, a point brought up in his discussions about the dictators of the Middle East. He is optimistic in the sense that he believes in the ability of humans to correct their mistakes (as he outlines in Article 3). He has seen political and economic disasters that were corrected because of people's ability to adapt to difficult situations. Therefore, his advice to society would be to listen to the elders, the people who have experienced the same crises that we are experiencing today (spoken about in Article 1). Overall, Ignatius does not believe that society is doomed, but he thinks that our situation can only be changed by action, especially by the people.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Marking Period 3: Columnist Article 3
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-bleak-look-at-americas-future/2011/12/09/gIQAAYmDjO_story.html
This week, Ignatius discovers a study predicting what America's role in the world and internal situation will look in 2030. The unclassified study, titled “Global Trends 2030,” is is being conducted by the National Intelligence Council. They predict an economic collapse in Europe that will affect America, who will only begin to recover very slowly. Ignatius believes in a slightly more optimistic view of the world. He trusts in America's ability to adapt and respond to a crisis because of their diverse population and military.
This week, Ignatius discovers a study predicting what America's role in the world and internal situation will look in 2030. The unclassified study, titled “Global Trends 2030,” is is being conducted by the National Intelligence Council. They predict an economic collapse in Europe that will affect America, who will only begin to recover very slowly. Ignatius believes in a slightly more optimistic view of the world. He trusts in America's ability to adapt and respond to a crisis because of their diverse population and military.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Marking Period 3: Columnist Article 2
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/pakistans-pique-and-the-afghan-war/2011/03/04/gIQAzMB1GO_blog.html
This week Ignatius writes about U.S relations with Pakistan. He summarizes that due to the accidental killing of defenseless Pakistani soldiers by the U.S, Pakistanis are boycotting an international conference. He shows his slight disapproval of this action when he states "That conference is one in which the Pakistanis might have played a crucial role (and made some new friends), but they’re staying away" (paragraph 3). The portion in parenthesis has a matter of fact tone that suggest Pakistan should have gone to the conference. Pakistan has also closed its border with Afghanistan to stop U.S military supplies from reaching their troops. Ignatius has a skeptical attitude about this move when he asks "do these actions... really suit Pakistan’s strategic interests?" (paragraph 7).
This week Ignatius writes about U.S relations with Pakistan. He summarizes that due to the accidental killing of defenseless Pakistani soldiers by the U.S, Pakistanis are boycotting an international conference. He shows his slight disapproval of this action when he states "That conference is one in which the Pakistanis might have played a crucial role (and made some new friends), but they’re staying away" (paragraph 3). The portion in parenthesis has a matter of fact tone that suggest Pakistan should have gone to the conference. Pakistan has also closed its border with Afghanistan to stop U.S military supplies from reaching their troops. Ignatius has a skeptical attitude about this move when he asks "do these actions... really suit Pakistan’s strategic interests?" (paragraph 7).
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