The thing that got me was all of the stuff about innovation and creativity. How can our students be innovative and creative when they are taught to a test? They can't look at problems in multiple ways; they have to look at it the test way. And then you throw into the mix that many kids now go through days without art and music - um, hello, creativity?
Sara | 02.01.06 - 11:12 am | #

I completely agree with Sara. The real strength of America has always been creativity and innovation. For decades, europeans and asian nations have scored higher on standardized tests than their american counter-parts. Nevertheless, the U.S. continues to lead the world in worker productivity. Maybe innovation and creativity in school programs can prevent the american children from slipping behind.
Damon Z | Homepage | 02.01.06 - 11:53 am | #

I know that math and science are important, but has no one noticed that over the last umpty-ump years while math & science have been emphasized, kids are only able to read on lower and lower levels? Some support in language-based areas would benefit not only those kids who have the ability to make great strides in math & science fields, it would benefit all of the kids, even those who are going to be just plain folks.
graycie | Homepage | 02.01.06 - 4:24 pm | #

Here's what I find hilarious. I am a science professional that has been trained to teach in the classroom. I went into teaching through an alternative certification program. I neither majored nor minored in education during college. But I was required to attend enough classes to at least account for a minor in education and to pass both Praxis I and my subject area Praxis.
The only thing I find that is blocking my fellow professionals from coming over to education is the pay rate is drastically lower than most other science related careers out there. I could take my degree and double my income at a pharmaceutical company in the next town over, but I have chosen not to out of dedication. (My husband is complaining, but ok what ever).
No matter what I say about the kids I feel like this is one place where I might actually make a differece in the world. Rather than just make another thing for people to purchase.
Jessica | Homepage | 02.02.06 - 7:36 am | #

If the kids don't have knowledge, creativity to work with that knowledge will be useless. Same goes for so-called critical thinking--if they don't have any real knowledge, they can't think critically about it.

I'm all for teaching content.
Darren | Homepage | 02.02.06 - 9:16 pm | #