DGS49
Diamond Member
A's on the rise in U.S. report cards, but SAT scores founder
This story has shown up in a number of venues, and the comments are generally that it is something of a sad state of affairs. It confirms what we all know: our kids have GOBS of self esteem, but aren't learning much.
But no one is mentioning how this is a striking indictment of American high school teachers as a whole. They have abandoned one of the most important incentives that inspire students to truly strive for excellence. Why work hard when half the graduating class has an 'A' average? When there are ten "Valedictorians," or when there is no Valedictorian because a score of students and their parents will demand to get it?
Teachers demand to be paid as "professionals," and in many cases they are, but this is profoundly unprofessional conduct, writ large. Because we all know the motivations that brought about this ridiculous situation:
Teachers don't went to hear complaints from parents,
Teachers don't want their students to whine,
Teachers want to think THEY are doing a great job, so they pass out inflated grades,
Teachers are unable to motivate students to do their best.
Almost half of graduating seniors.
Pathetic.
This story has shown up in a number of venues, and the comments are generally that it is something of a sad state of affairs. It confirms what we all know: our kids have GOBS of self esteem, but aren't learning much.
But no one is mentioning how this is a striking indictment of American high school teachers as a whole. They have abandoned one of the most important incentives that inspire students to truly strive for excellence. Why work hard when half the graduating class has an 'A' average? When there are ten "Valedictorians," or when there is no Valedictorian because a score of students and their parents will demand to get it?
Teachers demand to be paid as "professionals," and in many cases they are, but this is profoundly unprofessional conduct, writ large. Because we all know the motivations that brought about this ridiculous situation:
Teachers don't went to hear complaints from parents,
Teachers don't want their students to whine,
Teachers want to think THEY are doing a great job, so they pass out inflated grades,
Teachers are unable to motivate students to do their best.
Almost half of graduating seniors.
Pathetic.