Monday, June 11, 2012

NCLB


The No Child Left Behind was initially intended to create standards and measurements for States to apply in determining effectiveness of schools, teachers, and overall student scores. Since it has been implemented it has stirred a whirl wind of controversy. Ultimately, the strongest argument against the NCLB, is that it can only measure intelligence and understanding through test scoring. It does not take into consideration other types of learning and activity assessments. The argument against relying on test scores is that they scores alone can not determine if all students are on course and test scores can not assess different types of skills and intelligences. Another problem with the NCLB is that it puts devastating pressure on teachers and schools, and if students don’t meet requirements, or test scores fail from a hand full of students could cause termination of employment for the educators. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on teachers and schools, and has stir much debate coming from the educators point of view.

In an article from the Daily Vendetta, Staff Editor Logan Zimmerman reacts to Diane Ravish speech on education reform, “Nationally recognized educator, historian, and author Diane Ravish presented her speech titled “The Death and Life of the Great American School System” Tuesday night in Braden Auditorium.

The former policy analyst for the George H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations focused on the inadequacies of the No Child Left Behind Act, as well as the corporate influence on public education, the demoralization of teachers, and recommendations for change in the system.

“The goal of education is not to get higher test scores but to produce well-educated citizens to sustain our democracy. This means that every student should get a full and balanced education,” Ravish said. Once a strong advocate for the No Child Left Behind Act, Ravish now opposes the congressional act after witnessing the firsthand consequences it has had on education and called it “the worst federal educational legislation ever passed,”(‘No Child Left Behind’ Opponent Speaks on School Systems).

In reality, the results of the NCLB, have not provided superior results, in fact, our education system is beginning to slip further and further down the national rank. Many educators have had to reconsider professions, not being able to meet all standards. So the NCLB has created a lot of tensions in school districts, and devastated a lot of educators. With all of these negative elements, the whole program has not taken our education system to the next level, instead it is keeping it stagnant.

Zimmerman continues in the article, “I realized that No Child Left Behind was causing districts to cut back on the arts, physical education, history, and everything else but test taking,” she said.

Ravish also blamed corporate reformers’ influence on education for profit for the closing of many schools and the demoralization and negative connotation associated with educators.

“Closing schools is not a reform. If there is too much crime we don’t close police stations,” Ravish said.

“Test scores are the losses and profits of the business. If the school doesn’t make a profit it gets closed … the corporate reformers believe the teacher is solely responsible if the scores go up or down,” Ravish said.

Between 40 and 50 percent of public school teachers leave within the first five years for another profession, the highest turnover rate for any profession, according to Ravish,” (No Child Left Behind’ Opponent Speaks on School Systems).

Ultimately, the NCLB has taken its course and also taken its toll. Instead of making all children learn the same things so they can all pass the same tests, it has cause stress for students, teachers, educators, and schools. It is clear with statistics and from professional opinions that we need to reconsider and revamp the education system in order to succeed. If we stay on the same track, we are sure to fail, especially for our international rank. Schools, parents, educators, and districts need to focus on correcting these problems and we need to start now. The damage that NCLB behind has been emotional and sparked controversy all over the country. If we stick to statistics and focus on new ways to manage the education system, hopefully the United States can pull itself out of this mess.

Reference

Logan Zimmerman. Daily Vendetta Online: ‘No Child Left Behind’ Opponent Speaks on School Systems. March 27, 2012. Retrieved From:

http://www.videtteonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36435:no-child-left-behind-opponent-speaks-on-school-systems&catid=35:newscampus&Itemid=53

 

 

 

 

 

“Test scores are the losses and profits of the business. If the school doesn’t make a profit it gets closed … the corporate reformers believe the teacher is solely responsible if the scores go up or down,” Ravish said.

Between 40 and 50 percent of public school teachers leave within the first five years for another profession, the highest turnover rate for any profession, according to Ravish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a recent article in the Education Letter, staff editor wrote, “In a February 9, 2012 press release, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan confirmed that, to get flexibility from No Child Left Behind (NCLB) provisions, states must adopt and have a plan to implement college and career-ready standards. States must also create comprehensive systems of teacher and principal development, evaluation, and support that include factors beyond test scores, such as principal observation, peer review, student work, or parent and student feedback. Learning Forward's Learning School Alliance is poised to assist campus-based leadership teams from the 11 affected states and beyond by helping to strengthen educator performance through continuous professional learning,”(Learning Forward; Learning School Alliance Set to Help States Meet NCLB Waiver Provision).

In the same article, it continues, “The Learning School Alliance is a professional learning laboratory for schools committed to collaborative professional learning with the educators in their school and other schools across North America. The goal of the Learning School Alliance is to create environments where professional learning is embedded in the job, and both teachers and school leaders hold collective responsibility for student success. By providing tools and materials, coaching and facilitation, a dedicated website and learning platform, and face-to-face learning sessions at national conferences, the Learning School Alliance advances the skills and professional practice of participating educators,” (Learning Forward; Learning School Alliance Set to Help States Meet NCLB Waiver Provision).

 

 

Education Letter. Staff Editor: Learning Forward; Learning School Alliance Set to Help States Meet NCLB Waiver Provision. Atlanta:
March 7, 2012. pg. 98. Retrieved:

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=2597612801&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=74379&RQT=309&VName=PQD

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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