No one can deny that there is no greater debate in education today, than that of standardized testing in our schools. Most teachers don't like it, most parents are concerned, and many onlookers and taxpayer's are deeply troubled. In fact, I am one of the later folks, and it troubles me to no end. Why you ask? Well, because I believe the common theory that a civilization is only as healthy and strong as its schools were 20-years the prior.
Not long ago, I was discussing the issues standardized tests in our Nation's school system with a fellow educational online researcher and author, and he indicated to me that "Charlotte Iserbyt, who served as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), U.S. Department of Education, during the first Reagan Administration, literally blew the whistle on a major technology initiative which would control curriculum in America's classrooms."
In fact, she wrote several scathing reports and a book 700-page controversial (almost conspiracy theory type) book, which is available online, in fact you may have heard of it; "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America" - and after reading this, you may indeed change your mind on standardized tests in our schools. Now please understand this is a scathing book, and this lady is completely slammed by the educational system, government, etc.
Okay so, yes, we MUST make sure our kids can read and write, and there are things they truly need to know, no doubt, and really there is no debate there, the only real question would be are these standardized tests doing the job? Or is it having the complete opposite effect?
My acquaintance states "Charlotte's book sheds light onto the darkness that has infiltrated our education system. After reading it, and listening to her interview, I can no longer 'rest assured' when it comes to the subject of standardized testing." Indeed, after I did the same, neither can I, it's enough to make any parent, teacher, or product of our school system rather concerned.
Yes, I know this topic irks folks, and causes ire. She also talks about the conspiracy theory of authoritarian style teaching. You will be blown away by this work. I am still, wondering how much I can believe, maybe you might have a different opinion. If you have any more comments or questions on this topic, please let your concerns be heard. You may shoot me an email, if you'd like to discuss this subject. Please consider all this and think on it.
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