Million dollar question: Why is it that most schools are ranking students abilities by assessment tests that are composed with one particular ideal student (for a particular grade) in mind, when children in schools learn on different levels? I find it incredibly odd that the same schools that I once learned in, are now not so focused on the education of its students, but more so the student's ability to test.
I remember when I was a student (and this was as early as Kindergarten for me) that I was identified as a "Gifted and Talented" student (not sure what they are calling it now a days). Because teachers were able to identify me as a student, who was quite frankly learning at a faster level than most students, they were similarly able to identify students learning a level below average. At that time teachers had children learning at three different levels. I remember as a child that I had taken two tests, one the same as the test all students took, and another to identify the scholastic aptitude of students learning at a higher level. It seemed fair in my opinion. Although I did meet and exceed the expectations of learning, I did not feel that my education was stifled nor was that of any of my classmates. I say that because teachers then managed to teach students on varying levels and help them achieve or exceed the scholastic goal of the school they attended.
Fast forward to present day...I believe (and based on first hand testimonies from educators I know) that schools are currently teaching students a test and it has no true educational value. I believe this to be true because one of the first things I learned in my Masters of Psychology program is that there is a great difference between memorization and learning. Learning is the ability to take information and regurgitate it in a way that is applicable to his/her own life, or make it relatable; that which signifies understanding. Memorizing is simply that, relying on the function of one's memory to recall information...not actually learning the information. Unfortunately we are forcing our children to memorize instead of learn.
Something else to note is the lack of parent involvement in his/her child's education, and the teachers lack of passion for teaching. There are several reasons I could provide that would explain the lack of moral amongst teachers, but quite frankly not too much I can say regarding lack of parent involvement in his/her child's educational success. The more you see things like this happening, the more you wish we stopped arguing about women's right to choose (regarding abortion). Totally different subject for another time, but I say that to get you to think about how important it is for a parent to desire and love his/her child. And most of our children in schools lack that love. Our students are mistreated, not loved and miseducated. And the more I live, the more I see their education is not being valued.
There once was a point at which educaction was your resume, now I understand why employers are seeking more "hands on experience" to signify learning. The amount of technology consumed by the current generation far outweighs the number of library cards or physical research encountered at any level prior to a collegiate level. Middle & high school instructors are allowing students to research on computers before teaching them to research in a library, like it once was. The library is now a "backup" or a go to for those students who do not have the capacity to access the internet.
Unfortunately I could be on this soap box for months, but I will leave you with this...the perception of education has ultimately been reduced. Consider where education stood and what education has evolved to...Until it is valued in the eyes of the STATE, we will remain, and the future of our children's education will ultimately be in our hands.
I remember when I was a student (and this was as early as Kindergarten for me) that I was identified as a "Gifted and Talented" student (not sure what they are calling it now a days). Because teachers were able to identify me as a student, who was quite frankly learning at a faster level than most students, they were similarly able to identify students learning a level below average. At that time teachers had children learning at three different levels. I remember as a child that I had taken two tests, one the same as the test all students took, and another to identify the scholastic aptitude of students learning at a higher level. It seemed fair in my opinion. Although I did meet and exceed the expectations of learning, I did not feel that my education was stifled nor was that of any of my classmates. I say that because teachers then managed to teach students on varying levels and help them achieve or exceed the scholastic goal of the school they attended.
Fast forward to present day...I believe (and based on first hand testimonies from educators I know) that schools are currently teaching students a test and it has no true educational value. I believe this to be true because one of the first things I learned in my Masters of Psychology program is that there is a great difference between memorization and learning. Learning is the ability to take information and regurgitate it in a way that is applicable to his/her own life, or make it relatable; that which signifies understanding. Memorizing is simply that, relying on the function of one's memory to recall information...not actually learning the information. Unfortunately we are forcing our children to memorize instead of learn.
Something else to note is the lack of parent involvement in his/her child's education, and the teachers lack of passion for teaching. There are several reasons I could provide that would explain the lack of moral amongst teachers, but quite frankly not too much I can say regarding lack of parent involvement in his/her child's educational success. The more you see things like this happening, the more you wish we stopped arguing about women's right to choose (regarding abortion). Totally different subject for another time, but I say that to get you to think about how important it is for a parent to desire and love his/her child. And most of our children in schools lack that love. Our students are mistreated, not loved and miseducated. And the more I live, the more I see their education is not being valued.
There once was a point at which educaction was your resume, now I understand why employers are seeking more "hands on experience" to signify learning. The amount of technology consumed by the current generation far outweighs the number of library cards or physical research encountered at any level prior to a collegiate level. Middle & high school instructors are allowing students to research on computers before teaching them to research in a library, like it once was. The library is now a "backup" or a go to for those students who do not have the capacity to access the internet.
Unfortunately I could be on this soap box for months, but I will leave you with this...the perception of education has ultimately been reduced. Consider where education stood and what education has evolved to...Until it is valued in the eyes of the STATE, we will remain, and the future of our children's education will ultimately be in our hands.
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