The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[katiesue]

Originally Posted by Prudence

I hate mainstreaming, I really do. I think kids should be socialized across ability barriers of all kinds. But when it comes down to the brass tacks of learning, children should be taught based on their abilities.

I'm not a fan of mainstreaming either. I was in gifted programs as well but ours were more of the enrichment variety than seperate classes for each subject. Nothing made me battier than waiting for the teacher to explain, yet again, a simple concept that the rest of the class already got an hour ago for the one person who just couldn't keep up. I don't think it helps anyone really. The kids who get it instantly are bored and the kids who need extra help get ridiculed for holding up the whole class.

Maddy's school is obsessed with test scores. That's it - not learing but what you get on the tests. And not the end of the chapter test the state tests. It makes me wonky.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by katiesue

Maddy's school is obsessed with test scores. That's it - not learing but what you get on the tests. And not the end of the chapter test the state tests. It makes me wonky.

Good thing I'm still not in school. I'd drag the entire class down. Give me subject matter - have a conversation with me and you will know I know what I am talking about. Give me a paper, multiple choice questions and a time limit and I'm fvcked. What's 2+2 again?

[Gemini Cricket]

Not to sound mean or anything... I really don't mean to be mean...
But seeing a full blown picture of Youssif and his scarred up face is really, really jarring to see on CNN.com's homepage. (They just recently took it off.)
I mean, I'm rooting for him and everything. But it's like... click on CNN.com...BAM! Oy!

[MouseWife]

I didnt' see the picture you are speaking of, GC. Glad, too.

But you are right, they over emphasis these test scores. A young girl worked so hard in her class but would fail the tests. I was angry with her mother because she didn't stand up for her, she was angry with her for failing the tests!!! Obviously, either she had an issue with taking tests or else the tests were stupid.

It is a sad day when teachers can't teach. And that they can't take time to have fun with the students. I don't know if they do it now but when my kids were in school, I did help with the testing while the teachers were able to continue teaching. How else were they supposed to test the students and also teach the class? I never understood that.