Slate on NCLB

Here is a link to an interesting article I found on Slate,
http://www.slate.com/id/2187680

In this article the author, Jim Ryan, suggests a ten ways of fixing NCLB. Here are three that I really liked,

• NCLB creates perverse incentives.

• Standardize the standards.

• Administer fewer tests.

Ryan argues that NCLB creates perverse incentives because failing schools are forced to teach to the test. (If you are not in education then watch the Wire and you’ll get a pretty good idea as to how this works). Next, why can’t we agree on national standards? What a student has to learn in North Dakota should be the same as what a student has to learn in Maryland. This is reasonable. Furthermore, the subject area tests should be the same (i.e. standardize the standards). And while we’re at it, let’s make it a good test! (In fact, if it’s a really good test, maybe colleges will start using our national test instead of the SAT, just a thought). Finally, there are too many tests given at the high school level. Make the standardized test count as final exams. Students should have to take an Algebra HSA at the end of May only to take an Algebra final exam less than three weeks later! Besides, each day of testing is a lost day of instruction.