Student scores matter. Adult interests in job situations don't matter.
Actually, isn't it learning that matters? Scores on a once a year test (which means nothing to our 11th graders, for instance) just aren't enough for me. I've seen kids who can scrape out that proficient on a multiple choice plus formulaic little bit of writing test...who don't have a clue. They don't have much actual knowledge, they don't know basic facts that aren't tested and they sure as heck don't read for pleasure. That's a problem for me.
Is Rhee a Broad (was that the foundation?) superintendent? One of the ones who did that several months to be a superintendent thing? We have one here where I live and I liked him just fine at the beginning. Said the right things, high expectations, do whatever it takes, etc. etc. But we're getting piecemeal reform (in the guise of all district reform) and each of the reforms comes with cuts in staff and positions, despite promises of how supportive the administration is.
Hard to take him seriously now. The teachers can't stand him (most of all the best teachers, the worst teachers have probably been helped *a little* by the reforms), the principals are trying to maximize their scores on a rubric to get the extra $...and the concerned parents left in the district hold long conversations about what to do now, as the good programs are being ripped apart and replaced with platitudes. At least the charter schools will be full now, and the Catholic schools, the private schools and the suburban schools.
Not that I'm bitter. ;-D
Congratulations! I've explained before (and in my last book) why the "for the children" argument is specious, but that can wait. Go enjoy the aftermath of graduation!
Commenting by HaloScan
