In many states teacher evaluations will now include the results of value-added assessments.
Meaning: Teachers will be judged in part by comparing students’ current test scores to those of the previous year. To what extent the teacher is responsible for the gains—or lack thereof—is debatable.
Our newly published reading program is research-based.
Meaning: Perhaps only one study supports the program’s methods, and that may be a study conducted by the author or publisher. Another possibility is that the program only superficially follows the methodology found effective by many studies.
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We should be educating the “whole child. ”
Meaning: The writer disapproves of current educational reforms that minimize social, moral, physical, and imaginative learning in favor of a sole focus on academic learning.
All schools in America should be showing high student achievement.
Meaning: Achievement means only improved test scores, which could be the result of intensive test preparation, student sub-group manipulation, or cheating. Moreover, achievement and learning are not synonymous.
The new Common Core Standards are more rigorous than state standards.
Meaning: The CCSS are more difficult than those of most states, but not necessarily more appropriate for the designated grade levels or more in line with college or workplace expectations.
We are a “ no excuses ” school!
Meaning: The school has a strict set of rules and practices for teachers and students. Those who cannot or will not comply are asked to leave. The system is impractical for large public schools where total conformity cannot be enforced.
A team of experts has reviewed the new standards and found them appropriate for children of this age.
Meaning: The experts selected were college professors, think tank members, and private sector consultants who may never have taught children or spent any time observing in classrooms. Very likely, no practicing teachers were considered “expert” enough to be included in the team.
We need to reform our failing schools .
Meaning: A school’s principal and teachers are to blame for students’ low test scores. They need to be removed or the school should be closed.
States should closely monitor and limit the proliferation of for-profit schools.
Meaning: You can’t trust schools run by businesses.
The Department of Education has given many states NCLB waivers.
Meaning: The DOE has allowed some states to substitute their own plans for school improvement for the requirements of NCLB, as long as those plans are just as demanding or even more so.
I must comment on your definition of a ‘no excuses’ campus. I teach on a No Excuses University (NEU) campus. It is not a tyranny where if you are not on board you are out. The philosophy is one of Universal Achievement. Our mindset is one of all students can learn. We have proved that on our campus. Since adopting our mindset 5 years ago we have gone from an unacceptable campus to a recognized campus for the last three years. We have also closed the achievement gap between our students. All races are learning at a high level. We are an inner-city campus comprised of almost 90% high risk, low income students. We are a very ethically diverse campus. I completely believe the true No Excuses philosophy and highly recommend that everyone read Damon Lopez’ book or attend an NEU conference. And no, other than working on an NEU campus I am in no way an employee of NEU organization.
