How Can we Help?
September 15, 2008
The NCLB act has many teachers, parents and most importantly the students at a serious disadvantage. As a teacher one is expected to follow the strict guidelines and incorporate strategies in the class to help their students pass a state standardized test. In the article My Word by John Green he expresses an opposing and critical view of the NCLB act.
“Schools, of course, start out in very different places. Some 9 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch at my school. Three miles away at Hayward High, the number is 42 percent. Yet the federal government’s “No Child Left Behind” act requires every school district to reach 100 percent proficiency by the year 2014. The intent is noble, but the law’s approach is flawed beyond redemption.”
Green begins the article mentioning the school that he has taught at for four and their success at standardized testing; however he goes on to mention that 3 miles away schools are struggling to meet the requirements set by the government for NCLB in that school district.
In his article I believe Green is saying that intelligence can not be measured by how well a student does on a standardized test, because there are variables that can interfere with that way a child learns. Furthermore, depending on the child’s background information and socioeconomic statues can hinder and obstruct the child’s learning ability. More often in urban areas great emphasizes are not placed on a child’s education. I do not think not focusing on a child education is done intentionally in urban communities. But it is a cycle that has proceeded to be passed down over generations. Now the question that we need to ask ourselves is how can we show and enlighten parents of the importance of an education of their child’s education and break the cycle that is continuing to prohibit adequate education for our students.
The Daily Review
11 September 2008
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vanbeckj | September 23, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I cannot count how many times I have heard teachers use the phrase “teaching to the test.” Many teachers have complained about the NCLB and what effect it has had on their teaching styles as well as curriculum. The government has placed many high standards on schools and teachers, but has not offered the way to get students there. Teachers are constantly trying to keep up with changing politics and in most places are met with “failure” according to the government. I also believe that many factors play into a students education, and although it may not seem far, a student living in a more well-off suburban setting with much more parent involvement will receive a better education and more opportunities than a student living in an urban area with both parents working most of the time. I do not think it is fair to impose the same standards on schools without giving the same tools to reach these standards. There should more incentives for great teachers to teach in “at-risk” schools, as well as more funding for books and supplies. I grew up in a school district with less than 200 people in the entire high school. I remember usually for at least part of each school year we did not even have lined paper and teachers and students were asked to bring their own. This is not an environment that allows for proper learning. The teachers need to receive the supplies they need to teach, as well as the means in which to achieve what the government is asking for. I think that the ideas behind the NCLB have good intentions but need to be further thought out before they are imposed on public schools.