Where's your bar?
Just how high should we set the bar? That is the question...
I read an interesting report comparing the states in regards to state assessments and determining proficiency. If you have been reading my blog, you know I recently moved to South Carolina from Florida. When I moved here all of the teachers were telling me how difficult the PACT is. I was sure it was difficult, but I was also sure all of the other state’s assessments were difficult as well. It was funny, in Florida we all thought the FCAT was probably the most difficult of all.
As time went on here in SC I kept hearing how difficult the PACT is. I kept thinking, “Well, O.K., but so are ALL of the other assessments the other states utilize. I then came across this report that scales the state assessments to the NAEP. I think this is a great tool to gauge where states stand. Are some states requiring their kids to do much better than other sates? It appears as this is the case. It plainly points out the differences in what is considered proficient from state to state.
I understand the NCLB is a federal act and the state’s are to determine the course of public eduction (in theory at least). However, if the states are responsible for moving all of their students to proficient or above, I think we should all use the same measuring stick. You can view the report at
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pubs/studies/2007482.asp
If a state sets the bar too high, is it a double edged sword? Is it worth it? I would love to hear your reaction to the findings. Where does your state rank?
