Should All States Meet the Same Education Standards?
Reader Comments
National Catechism
National education standards would give politicians and bureaucrats the power of indoctrinating the next generation. Do we want Lincoln to be a saint or a devil? Do we want evolution to be the key to genetic discoveries or a shaky theory that defies probability? One hundred million Americans can't be wrong, because they have enough votes.
I'm American. Standards First!
the 3 Rs: reading, riteing & rithmatic. If we can't read, write, add or subtract--we're lost. Diversity is the Result of basic, accurate knowledge.
National Standards
I agree totally with the need for national standards across the USA grades. I am a novice teacher and have lived in three different states. I have a 10-year-old daughter and I was completely amazed in the difference of education requirements between southern Illinois and Jacksonville, Arkansas. What is required and what is allowed on standardized tests. I believe all across America all 10 year olds should be learning the same concepts and achieving the same standards. All students at the same grade level should be tested with the exact same standardized test. It is too late to wait until college entrance to do the level testing, as with the SAT or ACT. We would have better prepared students for college and to be an asset to society.
should all states adhere to a national standard?
As other posts has brought out the error of having the same education standard you will definitely suffocate individuality for a monotonous and linear line of thought that is always emphasized to think always inline with the others. Schooling in one standard implemented by a federal government ( education is a word that is tossed around as if it HAS to include schools is very very misinformed on what is truly an education) does not equate to success of ones life. By forcefully schooling these children you not only indoctrinate to think of one way but they will ALWAYS think that there is just 'one' way of thinking and not the other ways around. Again diversity of IDEAS is crucial paramount to the success of the nation NOT preparing children to be schooled to the mindless drivel of what the teachers thinks is right or not. The essence of individual thought from capable children is at stake here. To drive that we have to compete 'internationally' with others is nonetheless missing the point again that the importance of 'schooling' correctly without any forethought or different opinions is dangerous. Schooling on a national standard will be the downfall of this nation. Adherence to diversity of IDEAS that are espoused by children is what we SHOULD be looking at.
Nat ional Standards
I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. James Whisenhunt of Wren S.C.
Too many "politicians" who have never set foot in a classroom want to tell those of us who have been traied to do so WHAT needs to be done. Personally, I think they need to "get a grip"!!!
National Standards
I agree with SD White of N.C. Our state already has a set of national standards the if implimented would lead our students to some of the most well educted students in our country. The problem as I see it is not one of content but one of accountability. As teachers we have some of the most rigorous guidelines in the nation to try to live up to and if we do our jobs and the students do the work we can achieve great things. However, everyone wants to put the blame on the teachers. When are we going to wake up and realize that the TRUE foundation of the child's education begins at home. When we call parents to tell them of misbehaviors that disrupt our classes, too often we hear the parents say "that's not what little Johnny told me" and the teacher is not believed and the child allowed to continue the disruptive behaviors. Every teacher I know in the school where I teach is MORE than willing to go the extra mile to stay after school or do whatever remedial exercises necessary to see to it that the child learns the material needed. Too often, however, the apathy and overall lack of concern of so many of the students makes it diffifult if not nearly impossible to achieve this goal. Yes, I agree that we need a good Standard Course of Study for each discipline within our cirritulum, but that concrete goal will not any higher than a lead balloon if it isn't supported by the parents and the support given to the teacher by EVERY parent. I know that there are a few teahers who may be lax in this area but I don't think that it is the norm. Whenever we can reach the same level of accountability in the home that we have in the school, THEN AND ONLY THEN, will we see a major turn around in our educational system. It may be that we need to help our parents who may have a less than stellar educational background. Too often children are brought into the world with little or no forethought as to what will happen to that child once it is here. God help us to realize taht we cannot do this by ourselves but we need guidance from above.
All Cultures Are The Same?
How can any group in Washington design a set of standards that will apply to the culture of inner-city Chicago, suburban Los Angeles, multi-lingual San Francisco, etc., etc., etc.. Each culture is distinct, has unique problems to overcome, presents unique challenges to teachers and administrators. Is any thought being given to helping local school districts, their governing boards, and their front-line staff develop standards, strategies, and tools for meeting their own challenges, in their own time, within their own budgets? What we have now are standards being developed by people who are not familiar with local conditions, do not work under local constraints, and do not have to answer to local constituencies.
National Standards
There already is a set of national sStandards for all core curriclums that the states base their own curriculum upon. However, the expectations on implementing and assessing these standards varies greatly from state to state. The problem with high-stakes testing is that they are not usually authentic assessments. Maybe, working towards creating authentic assessment nationally through collaboration between states would be a better way to making sure the national standards are consistently implemented and assessed.
National Standards
Now our nation wants to take control of education. We know how great it works when our nation controls other programs. Just look at Social Security. I have worked in some programs that are already federally controlled such as special education. The rule there is that the paper work is more important than the teaching. Aren't we already doing "No child left behind"? How is that working?
I think education should left at the local level. Private schools are able to operate successfully with less money.
National Standards
I agree there should be National Standards, especially if federal funding is based on whether or not students pass their state's standards.
Why should testing and standards be more rigorous in some states that in others?
Make standards universal, however we can reach an agreement on what those standards are.
Laura Drake, Seattle
