Quotes are taken from a message written by Leona to Charles on 07/23/96...
LP>CB> most of the good programs we had.  Testing is being cut back, 
tandards
LP>CB> are being modified to match the prevailing educational fads (some of 
the
LP>
LP>Our fad in AZ is changing the tests, the type of test & which students
LP>are tested every other year.  The last couple of Arizona Student
LP>Assessment Program forms have contained cultural & linguistic biases
LP>that caused the State Super. to toss out several versions of the test.
We're changing testing here as well.  For the most part we are 
eliminating the minimum competency tests and replacing them with mastery 
tests, but we are reducing the passing grade from 65 to 55.  Makes a lot 
of sense, doesn't it?  Another one of the brilliant reforms is that we 
are eliminating the "general education track" and demanding that all 
students take Regents level courses (college entrance track) and we've 
not put any safety nets in place for all of the kids who fail -but we 
can't increase the dropout rate.
We need a national curriculum so that the idiots at the state level will 
lose their ability to screw up the educational system every 5 years or so.
LP>I do NOT like the idea of this at all.  As a student in school, I tended
LP>to work best independantly.  My husband is the same way.  I expect that
LP>any child we have will be the same.  This sounds like *ripe* grounds for
LP>a lawsuit.  (School's atty:  "Yes, your honor, Chris was awarded a
LP>failing grade because (his/her) group turned in an inferior project.
LP>No, sir, Chris' part of the job was of passing quality, but that's not
LP>the point.  The children were expected to work together to achieve an
LP>acceptable product.")
We have visions of the same scenario.
LP>But then we end up with the 17 year old 7th grader sitting next to the
LP>12 year old 7th grader.  Unfortunately, not all districts have been able
LP>to implement an alternative school or other solutions some urban areas
LP>have been able to use.
I agree.  I still like the idea of a school/work program in which we 
give the student who refuses to cooperate some basic skills while 
working part of the day.  BUT, do not give them a diploma.
LP>Whoa, Nellie.  That's illegal here in AZ, according to Arizona Revised
LP>Statutes.  Darn, I can't find the book.  It's around here somewhere.
LP>In fact, the responsability for promotion is the teacher's.  If a parent
LP>or a principal doesn't agree with the teacher, the child can't be
LP>promoted.  They can take the case to the school board, if the school
LP>board overturns the teacher's decision over the teacher's objections,
LP>the teacher can't be sued if at age 18, Johnny is ticked cuz Johnny
LP>can't read.  The school board assumes liability.  If the school board
LP>talks the teacher into signing off, then the teacher can be liable when
LP>Johnny decides to sue, all the way up until age 20.
Here in New York the building principal has near absolute control over 
who passes and who fails.  The principal can change a teacher's grades, 
deny promotion to a child the teacher has passed or socially promote a 
child the teacher has failed.  Our (retiring) principal does not allow 
us to retain any kids that he feels might be a continuing discipline 
problem - we are hoping for something better with the new guy.
Chuck
Chuck Beams
Fidonet - 1:2608/70
cbeams@future.dreamscape.com
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