Quotes are taken from a message written by Leona to Charles on 07/29/96...
LP>As much sense as requiring "standardized" essay tests that grade on a
LP>rubric, are graded by the students' own teachers & do not always require
LP>correct spelling, proper grammar & acceptable syntax in order to earn a
LP>maximum score.
You've got those in AZ, too?  Here the writing samples need be only 
marginally decipherable to qualify as "passing."
LP>We're going the other way.  Our St. Super is talking about adding
LP>different diplomas, testing students in 10th grade & sending the, ahem,
LP>shall we say "not as academically inclined" into trade school or job
LP>training courses for 11th & 12th grade.
Ah, well, now I see some merit in that, if it's properly executed.  If 
you read the articles I sent out in the last set comparing French, 
German, Scottish and U.S. schools, that may be a way to make education 
more relevant for those kids who just don't want to attend college (and 
we've got lots of those kids in our district).
LP>Still want a national curriculum?  You don't sound happy with your
LP>system, yet you want to export it West?
I was happy with our system.  Up until about 2 years ago I'd have put an 
education in New York up against any in the nation, BUT...we've got to 
follow the trends.  Our new state commissioner is the guy who was 
experimenting with portfolios state-wide in Vermont for 2 years.  They 
wanted to make portfolios work, but both years they found they couldn't 
design an evaluation rubric so that two teachers could look at the same 
folder and say the same things about the kid involved.  Vermont got rid 
of Richard Mills, and New York got him.
LP>Here, you & I differ.  We don't need a national curriculum because we
LP>don't want the big states, CA, NY & TX, screwing up our educational
LP>system as much as theirs is.  (heh heh heh.)
I think you read this incorrectly - I just want solid curriculum 
guidelines and matching exams.  I can't believe that Germany, France, 
Scotland, Japan and Korea can do it, but we can't.  States and local 
districts would still have the freedom to tinker with delivery and lots 
of elective stuff so as to mess things up at the local level .
LP>Or give them a diploma/certificate/whatever that states the eduspeak
LP>equivalent of "took up space for X number of years at Such & Such a
LP>School."
Heh heh!  Works for me!
LP>I like our law better because it means we don't have to rely on the
LP>principal (unless we don't have tenure!!!  I can see pressure being
LP>brought to bear there.)  The teacher is considered to be the expert in
LP>determining who should be promoted or retained.  Disciplinary
LP>considerations should not bear on academic decisions.  Too bad this guy
LP>is retiring, I'd like to have a little chat with him. :)
It's a common problem in our area, not just with one administrator.  My 
wife (neighboring district, teaches 4th grade) wanted to repeat a child 
this year and the principal refused.  My wife made a note of her 
recommendation on the child's report card.  What else can you do?
Chuck Beams
Fidonet - 1:2608/70
cbeams@future.dreamscape.com
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* UniQWK #5290* A mouthful of breath mints and no one to kiss.
--- Maximus 2.01wb
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