"A child's learning is the function more of the characteristics of his classmates than those of the teacher." James Coleman, 1972

Monday, August 15, 2005

To Dream the Impossible Dream. . .

Which of these goals are achievable in the time frame provided by the Law? Which is achievable ever? Which goals call for closing the achievement gap?

Performance Goal 1Reading and Mathematics — By 2013-14, all students will reach high standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading and mathematics.

Performance Goal 2Limited English Proficient Students — All Limited English proficient students will become proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading and mathematics.

Performance Goal 3Highly Qualified Teachers — By 2005-06, all students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.

Performance Goal 4Safe and Drug Free Schools — All students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free, and conducive to learning.

Performance Goal 5 Graduation Rate — All students will graduate from high school.

When a public law holds public schools accountable for their failure in achieving unachievable goals, what is the purpose of that law? Is it to prove the failure of the public schools, to demonstrate the uncaring stupidity of those who signed built this law, or both?

1 comment:

  1. << Is it to prove the failure of the public schools, to demonstrate the uncaring stupidity of those who signed built this law, or both?>>

    I suspect the "demonstrate the uncaring stupidity" part is an unintended consequence....

    ReplyDelete