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01/27/01 11:09 PM: So, today I received my
So, today I received my midterm “Progress Report.” I received one B this time, in Advanced Placement American History. This is by far my hardest course this year; those multiple-choice questions can be tough! Anyway, report cards reminded me of education, and sure enough that reminded me of Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” plan.
George keeps talking about “accountability” in education, which in common English means “more standardized tests.” Don’t we love them? We have the SAT, ACT, PSAT, PACT, PLAN, EXPLORE, MAT, and hundreds more in each state. Here in Illinois, we will be taking the two-day, yes TWO day, “Prairie State” exam, which is a full length ACT with bonuses. How fun, lets waste two days of class to take one more test that we get absolutely no benefit out of. Now with Bush’s education plan, more tests will be on their way. Similar to the education reform in Texas, more tests, and teach the kids only about what is on the test. Lets create a generation of test-taking machines. Who needs anything that isn’t multiple choice? Critical thinking, Imagination, Creativity, who wants that when you know that the answer to #78 is C!
I purpose that candidates running for office have to take an “admission” test, which quizzes them on domestic policy, world affairs, economics, etc. If we expect our kids to be rigorously tested all the time, isn’t only fair we expect the same from the people actually running the country? Foreign service officers have to take a test to get a job, so should prospective executive branch members. Oh and no, Dick Cheney can’ t help you, its not a group test.
