We Must Reform America's Educational System
analytical Essay
1311 words
Critiques express concern about standardized tests and insist that there should be some way to measure the excellence of students within the same context dictated by strict and uniform educational standard (Baker, 2006; Kohn, 2000). Experts, like Dr. Montessori, do not agree and counter that there are other methods that can be implemented to evaluate each child. They warn about instilling fear and anxiety in students and the consequences to their brain development (Kohn, 1999; Kunimura, 2010; Montessori, 1949; Myers, 2011). Instead they stress the importance of creating an environment that allows trial and error to maximize learning, to mimic real life situations. Proponents of the current educational system continue on and want to even deepen their Common Core Initiative, that strives to align the different state curricular into a unified whole, while basing it on the current school reform (Kohn, 1999; Ravitch, 2010). Scholars on the other hand are deeply concerned about this and refute that it disengages kids in schools and their learning. They argue that children, too, are diverse human beings, just like adults who are naturally different and that school curricular have to be flexible to allow for challenges each leaner brings along. In addition, they object and remind that children are not machines were one manual would do for all. They remind that children are born explorers and natural learners, educating this out of them deploys emotional instability, rejection and skepticism and achieves just the opposite.
Opponents then challenge that standardized testing is a objective means to evaluate comprehension and continue to hold onto the image that Common Core standards eliminate wasting time by focusing on the essential subje...
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In this essay, the author
- Argues that standardized tests should be used to measure the excellence of students within the same context dictated by strict and uniform educational standards, while experts like dr. montessori counter that there are other methods to evaluate each child.
- Argues that standardized testing is an objective means to evaluate comprehension, but experts disapprove again, stating that it only tests a small portion of what students should be learning, while narrowing curricular.
- Argues that society should trust in school faculty's ability to develop curricular and tests in the first place.
- Explains that the current u.s. educational system continues to introduce other means of evaluating student's achievements while creating a positive and encouraging attitude in learning outcomes that can be implemented immediately.
- Argues that there is no ultimate truth and that even all areas of science are grounded in personal experiences, ideas and enlightenment, suggesting merging science with phenomenology into intersubjectivity.
- Argues that testing should be limited to only administering them every few years, choosing a diversity of children, and substituting common core standards with constructivism learning theories in curricular to rescue current educational standards from the grip of the past.
- Opines that educational policies need to be transformed and not just reformed in order to provide children with an education they deserve.
- Opines that parents need to realize that raising children takes time and work beyond just cooking and cleaning for them. caregivers should re-prioritize and become more involved in the life and education of their children.
- Opines that it is important to let children guide us, as we can learn so much from them, while providing adults with the opportunity to experience things in life with renewed eyes.
- Cites abram, d., baker, j. m. and brown, c.
- Explains freire, p., huelsman, c.b. and jones, j. standardized tests and early childhood education.
- Analyzes kohn's case against standardized testing: raising the scores, ruining the schools. montessori-pierson publishing company.
- Cites myers, d. g., worth publisher, and organization for economic co-operation and development.
- Cites ravitch, d., robinson, k. and robinson on the death and fife of the great american school system.
Related
- argumentative
- analytical
- explanatory
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- Why America's Educational System is Failingargumentative essayThe United States of America has placed low on the educational ladder throughout the years. The cause of such a low ranking is due to such heavy emphasis on standardized testing and not individual student achievement. Although the United States uses standardized testing as a crutch, it is not an effective measure of a student’s ability, a teacher’s competency, or a school’s proficiency.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that a test that cannot accurately measure the student's mastery of the broader skills domain is simply incompetent.
- Explains that schools judged on student performance can increase their average scores by retaining high-achieving students with their age-level peers rather than letting them advance a grade.
- Compares finland's education system with that of the united states.
- Concludes that the united states should assume an european or asian education policy if they are ever going to get ahead on the ranking board.
- Argues that the united states of america has placed low on the educational ladder due to heavy emphasis on standardized testing and not individual student achievement.
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In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how ravitch changed her mind on the effectiveness of standardized tests four years after advocating for its use in the public education system.
- Argues that standardized tests should not be used as tools to close down schools. popham states that the current examination system requires that schools be given yearly-standardized exams to monitor the progress of students.
- Opines that a strong teachers union would lead to better performance by educators and their students. ravitch supports the formation of teacher unions and says they improve schools' performance.
- States birman, beatrice f., et al. "state and local implementation of the "no child left behind act."
- Analyzes the pros and cons of standardized testing and the role of charter schools in perpetuating classism.
- Argues that there is a gap between the teaching methods employed by educators and the standardized testing methods used.
- Explains that standardized tests don't measure educational quality. ravitch: standardized testing undermines teaching.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that standardized testing is used in most schools and institutions to compare the performance of students in a relative manner.
- Explains that people assume standardized testing is a good way of comparing the performance levels of various students from different schools and locations, but it is unreliable.
- Explains why standardized testing isn't a reliable way of measuring performance because it evaluates the student's proficiency only during the time of the test.
- Argues that standardized testing should be revoked because it pressures mentors. after taking standardized exams, scores are published and schools are ranked from the best performing to the worst performing.
- Opines that standardized testing should be optional because it creates a grade conscious mindset. test anxiety can cause mind block in learning and hurt test performance.
- Argues that standardized testing should be revoked because it is an unreliable way of measuring a student's performance, and it also pressures educators. schools should focus more on the development of students, rather than ranking them based on grades.
583 wordsRead More - Early Childhood Educationanalytical essayHowever, Scholars Dahlberg and Moss also argues that one risk to educating our kids at an early age is that it can lead to kids being deprived of a childhood. It is said that early childhood education inducts a thought into kids’ minds to be the future solution to current problems. They say the question should be: What are the possibilities for educating our kids’ and young people at a young age? There are more ways for them to learn rather than trying to force it in them at an early age. There are consequences that follow educating our kids at an early age, some positive and some negative (Dahlberg & Moss, 2005). Scholar Peter Henry addressed us by discussing a case against standardized testing. He states that at the rate that standardize tests are rising means that less teachers are well prepped in the understanding of the test. For many people, it is said that standardized testing reveals the truth about what is being taught within the classroom.
In this essay, the author
- Explains dahlberg & moss' approach to education from the early childhood education position.
- Argues that early childhood education inducts a thought into kids' minds to be the future solution to current problems.
- Analyzes how mrs. clinton was asked by her husband, bill clinton, to chair an education standards committee to recommend reforms, but she didn't think this was a good idea.
690 wordsRead More - Standardized Testingexplanatory essayThe purposes of standardized tests are to instruct decision making, establish program eligibility, evaluate course goals, evaluate program goals, and examine external curriculum. When a teacher gives and assesses a standardized test, they gain information about their students that helps them realize what concepts they have learned according to the agenda for the subject at hand. If the assessment is performed in a sensible amount of time and given according to the directions, this purpose should be fulfilled; however, it is a common belief that standardized tests do not work well in establishing where a student stands in a specific curriculum. The test uses a general curriculum that is the basis for the tests but the schools giving the tests may not have the same curriculum as the test itself assumes. (Costa and Kallick, 1995)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the types of assessments discussed can be helpful or hindering. they are viewed differently by everyone and have both advantages and limitations.
- States that costa, a.l., and kallick, b. (1995). assessment in the learning organization: shifting the paradigm.
- Explains that standardized tests are used to instruct decision-making, establish program eligibility, evaluate course goals, and examine external curriculum.
- Explains the five models of dynamic assessment: test-train-test assessment, learning potential assessment device (lpad): mediational assessment, testing-the-limits assessment and continuum of assessment model-mediated and graduated prompting.
- Explains that informal assessments eliminate extraneous factors that come with standardized tests. they are more reliable and relevant to the classroom curriculum.
- Cites miller, w. h., popham, and sweetland, r.c.
2116 wordsRead More - Negative Effects Of The Common Coreanalytical essay(Common Core State Standards Initiative) Many find flaws in the system such as Valerie Strauss of the Washington Post. Strauss points out in her article Eight Problems With Common Core Standards that the standards set by the Common Core should not be limited to school subjects, but should step outside the box and tie in real world scenarios. (Strauss) Strauss also says the lack of diversity in the curriculum puts students at a disadvantage because of the changing world around teachers should not be limited to teaching information provided by an initiative that makes students from all over the nation learn the same material. (Strauss) Strauss is especially skeptical of the Common Core’s preparation for standardized test as she says, “The Common Core Standards are a set-up for national standardized tests, tests that can’t evaluate complex thought, can’t avoid cultural bias, can’t measure non-verbal learning, can’t predict anything of consequence.” (Strauss) Strauss explains how the Common Core destroys any form of originality by stating; “The word “standards” gets an approving nod from the public (and from most educators) because it means “performance that meets a standard.” However, the word also means “like everybody else,” and standardizing minds is what the Standards
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the common core is a highly debated educational initiative that provides children of all races, religious denominations, and socioeconomic backgrounds the same educational path from kindergarten through senior year of high school or the 12th grade.
- Explains that the common core is not supported by a great deal of the population, as six states have yet to begin taking apart in the initiative.
- States that the positive effects of the common core dwarf the negative effects. prior to being presented with this assignment, they had little knowledge of its philosophy or its principles.
- Analyzes how the common core state standards allow teachers to divulge into the roots of lessons and promote thinking outside the box in everyday lessons.
- Analyzes how ms. long demonstrates the presence of equality through the common core by interviewing cheryl mosier, an earth science teacher from denver, colorado.
- Opines that the common core has provided american children with equal opportunity to create an intellectual foundation leading to future successes in either continued education or the work force.
- Describes the common core state standards initiative's about the standards comments.
- Describes the common core state standards initiative on wikipedia.
- Cites holland, sally, "national learning standards make the grade." cnn, 22 july 2010.
- Describes the six ways the common core is good for students.
- Describes ascd's policy priorities:coming to terms with common core standards.
- States strauss, valerie, "eight problems with common core standards." the washington post, 21 aug. 2012.
1767 wordsRead More - Who Was Really Left Behind?analytical essayRubin, Daniel Ian. "The Disheartened Teacher: Living In The Age Of Standardization, High-Stakes Assessments, And No Child Left Behind (NCLB)." Changing English: Studies In Culture & Education 18.4 (2011): 407-416. Literary Reference Center. Web. 12 Apr. 2012
In this essay, the author
- Argues that nclb brings social separations together through educational reform and equality, and that the administration of standardized tests balances the expectations of students.
- Argues that standardized tests may universalize the expectations of students in elementary and secondary education, but the heavy burden of their success lies more so on the teachers.
- Opines that standardized tests leave the teachers in the dark as to whether or not they are providing adequate tools and information.
- Argues that standardized tests are confusing, difficult, and not appropriate, hindering student opportunity to achieve true academic success in higher education.
- Analyzes how no child left behind hindered students and teachers from competing academically due to marginal scores implemented by standardized tests. the aftermath of the program will continue to build until something is done to reverse these ill effects.
- Explains that the no child left behind act was enacted in order to give young students an equal advantage at advancement into higher education.
- Explains that state test scores are regularly used to adjust instruction in nuanced ways. data-driven decision making is one way the promise of education reform might be realized.
- Explains the organization for economic co-operation and development (oecd) and carleton college's "pros and cons of nclb."
- Explains that "regents should abandon one-size-fits-all tests." new york times 13 july 2003: 13.
2299 wordsRead More - Educating with Democracyanalytical essayThe United States K-12 education system is a canyon. On one side a plethora of officials, elected or otherwise, make ideological choices about what American education is and how it will be run. On the other side of this canyon are the students, teachers and parents who take place in the day-to-day of Democratic education. More and more Americans are feeling a disconnect between those they elect and the representation that they receive (Beane, 203). At the same time the authors speak of education as both democratic and an obligation (Beane, 203). Part of this problem is the overuse of standardized testing (Beane, 209). The testing issue is just one aspect of the current ethnocentric view of American Education that is underpinned with fears and long-lasting prejudices.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that america's education system has long been a source of disagreement in the united states. they will examine the major literary issues, problems and proposed solutions presented in two course readings.
- Analyzes how the united states k-12 education system is a canyon, with officials making ideological choices about what american education is and how it will be run. the overuse of standardized testing is one aspect of the ethnocentric view of american education.
- Analyzes how beane and apple explore different concepts and educational practices that attempt to piece together problems within k-12 public education.
- Analyzes how paulo freire's book pedagogy of the oppressed contains a laundry list of education problems that remain relevant today.
- Analyzes how paulo freire's approach to problem-posing education goes beyond definition of problems and focuses on the dynamic and active nature of quality education.
- Describes central park east secondary school as an alternative school located in new york city, ny, where students are eighty-five percent african american or latino.
- Explains that central park east meets lofty expectations with radically different concepts of learning and graduation. the school uses longer, theme-centered classes that encourage students to engage with their class work on multiple levels and use a variety of problem-solving strategies.
- Opines that a serious and critical examination of the education can lead to actual change and redistribution of power.
1136 wordsRead More - This paper explores a few of the many alternatives to standardized testing within the education system. Also, this research helps the reader understand what standardized exams are, why they are used, and how educators can use other ways of assessing to “test” the children’s/students’ abilities throughout the year. Some of these substitutions may include personal portfolios, developmental benchmarks, and a variety of analyses on comprehension by recording different sessions. Furthermore, this exposition uses research from many different resources to support the importance, credibility, and objectivity of other assessment tools besides standardized test. By reading this composition, one will learn the pros and cons of uniform evaluation implementations and why it is important for everyone’s individual learning and development that standardized testing are no longer required.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the pros and cons of uniform evaluation implementations and why it is important for everyone's learning and development that standardized testing are no longer required.
- Opines that assessments must encompass more ways of evaluating students than a paper and pencil strategy that does not account for the various competences of every student. alternatives to standardized tests include portable portfolios, performance exams, exhibitions and/or recorded sessions.
- Opines that educators, teachers, and other professionals may still have concerns on why large-scale assessments such as standardized tests are being used and the consequences laws and reforms have on students and education in general.
- States that the no child left behind act of 2001 (nclb) is the most recent iteration of the elementary and secondary education act (esea), the major federal law authorizing federal spending on programs to support k-12 schooling.
- Opines that high stakes testing reduces learning time, content knowledge, adds harmful stress, and may lead to diverted resource and/or school closures.
- Argues that standardized testing does not accurately evaluate a student's performance. individuals who are exceptional may struggle with test anxiety and perform meagerly on tests.
- Explains that reliability and validity are important considerations when using standardized assessments. relying solely on scores from one test to determine success or progress in broad areas is likely to lead to incorrect inferences and then to actions that are ineffective or even harmful.
- Explains that formal assessments present the same task to every child, provide comparison tables, and reassure individuals that it is fair.
- Describes three different ways students can be assessed other than standardized testing, depending on the purposes of the assessment.
- Explains that exhibitions are not synonymous with performance based assessment, which happens in myriad ongoing formal and informal ways and settings. they are public demonstrations of mastery that depend on participation of people from outside the school community as mentors and evaluators.
- Opines that recording samples of students' oral reading and their responses to questions and discussions concerning the reading passage would allow analysis on reading ability, comprehension, thinking process, and other academic considerations.
- Opines that when standardized tests are the primary factor in accountability, the temptation is to use the tests to define curriculum and focus instruction.
- Explains that alternative to standardized assessments is something different than what most are used to and challenges those who like to do things the way they have always been done.
- Cites davidson, j., "exhibitions: demonstrations of mastery inessential schools". coalition of essential schools.
- Explains what's wrong with standardized tests. fairtest: the national center for fair and open testing.
- Defines standardized testing as a test that requires all test takers to answer the same questions and is scored consistently. each state plans the specifics of its testing program, deciding elements like how many questions to put on each exam.
- Explains that a personal portfolio assessment approach encourages students to reflect on their work throughout the year. portfolios can be used to compare achievements across the classroom, school, or district.
- Explains that some schools and districts have adopted performance exams as a form of assessment. they have advantages over standardized testing because they help "drive the curriculum."
- Explains that standardized testing is what it is and how it works.
2062 wordsRead More - Standardized Tests: Do They Really Work for Raising the Rank of the US in World Education?analytical essayRavitch, Diane. The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education. New York: Basic, 2010. Print
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the emphasis on testing is undermining the importance of education for our country.
- Illustrates how a student attempts to expand their knowledge but the teacher will only teach what might be on the test. teachers are so concerned with standardized tests that they limit the students’ education.
- Explains that the main role of schools and teachers is to teach children and make sure they learn.
- Argues that standardized tests can be beneficial and help students transition from memorizing information to having the skills and habits to apply knowledge.
- Explains sacks, peter, standardized minds: the high price of america's testing culture and what we can do to change it.
- Analyzes the chicago tribune's "study finds standardized tests hurting students."
- Argues that the united states has been ranked at the bottom when it comes to education among developed countries. they have tried to come up with strategic ways to change their ranking, like standardized tests.
- Argues that the government should create a verbal section to be put on the tests.
- Analyzes lloyd's "my child doesn't test well." carnegie foundation for the advancement of teaching.
- Describes kohn, alfie, medina, jennifer, and ravitch, diane. "new standards mean more f's in state testing."
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