While I don't agree with No Child Left Behind and its proficiency mandates, I do agree that states must write their own individual tests as well as set standards. I have found that there are stark differences in education throughout the country and what part of the lesson is emphasised. Yes, there is a general curriculum that is taught, but the "frame of reference" of the teacher and the chosen texts are definitely regional. When I lived in the south, I was taught extensively about the Civil War, Robert E. Lee, States' Rights and Slavery. We lived near old, empty plantations and it was part of our lives, like it or not. While were we taught that slavery was morally wrong, we were also taught how the north did not understand how necessary it was for the southern economy. We were also taught that the abolitionists acted in hast and created additional problems for the blacks, as once they were no longer slaves, they were free-men, in a region of the country which was all farms with little to no urban job market. It's apparent to me that those in the north, were taught the same history curriculum, but in a different context completely, therefore the questions posed and answers given on a standardized test would be different as well. We must always remember that history, is "his-story" and different people/states have their own agenda in emphasizing different ideas. Check out this site- States Rights, One of the Causes of the Civil War. In discussion, I found that many who are extremely knowledgeable on historical matters, do not realize (possibly because it was not emphasized during that lesson) the severity of states' rights issues to southern states and though the states rights were given in the Constitution, it was a cause of the civil war because the abolishment of slavery was in itself unconstitutional as the federal government overpowered states' rights. Luckily NCLB at this point has been respectful of states rights allowing each states to dictate what is tested, as they are also aware of what is taught and what is emphasized. From Alaska to Hawaii, from Missisppi to Maine, each state is equally as different as each individual in this country.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Actually, the states' rights versus federal rights issue has been with us since the nation first signed the Articles of Confederation and later ratified the Constitution.
I also agree that state interests are important, but it concerns me when we have a national level higher education system. One example is that of removing the teaching of evolution from the science standards. There are colleges what will not accept students' high school coursework if it doesn't include evolution as part of the curriculum. That's a serious issue in my mind.
It also concerns me when we are talking about comparing groups of students. There needs to be a better balance between students' needs and access to knowledge, and what each state values.
So complex!
Post a Comment