In the explicit criticism of common core and standardized
testing (related, but not the same thing), I see an implicit reach for another
method, a method perhaps more diverse and effective (human, perhaps?). Relating
Louis CK’s tweets and Diane Ravitch’s interview, both of their criticisms orbit
around the fallacy – and the disastrous results – of the application of
homogenized standards and the culture of standardized tests. It is clear we do not live in a homogenized world; paradoxically, some realms
celebrate ‘our diversity’ while this same diversity is mobilized as a force of
social stratification and active tools of oppression.
Going back to last week’s Allington reading, he covers the complexity of factors that contribute to
a students’ ability to develop reading skills at their level. He found “no research supports the use of
core reading programs in fostering reading growth.” Similarly, last week's Knobel article asserts
“Standard-setting and benchmarks only seem to make it easier for students to
‘fail’ because ‘literacy’ – or more accurately in such contexts, reading
writing and spelling – is constraint to school literacy.” And bringing in
Ravitch and Louis CK, their specific criticism of the Common Core State
Standards (CCSS) adds another texture – and another context – to the debate of
the effectiveness of homogenized standards and of testing culture and its tension with our individual realities.
In a setting shaped by “standardized standards,” what are we
preparing our students for? What do we prepare ourselves for? In these settings
where reaching “standards” is the “end,” what values do we convey? In our lives
and our professions, what are we doing and what can we do better?
When Diane Ravitch quipped that we should be teaching
students to “think out of the box,” she reminded me of this TED talk my father
sent to me a while ago. I realize that we are all very busy and this may not be
a viable detour on your schedule this week, but here is a link of the TED talk
by a man named Sir Ken Robinson (sir?!), a British man who has some things to
say about the state of education in the United States back in 2006. He talks about
whether or not schools educate our students out of their creative capacities. It’s somewhat of an
investment; it’s about 20 minutes. If you find the time, the audio is all you
need: you can listen to it while you make meals or walk to school. And if we have
time in our group, I would love to try and integrate this in.
No comments:
Post a Comment