The recession-proof Exam: When will it pop? December 19, 2010

 

The article by Todd Farley “Standardized Testing: The New Wild West” pretty much sums up why high-stakes testing has such a stronghold.  It’s a recession proof industry!  I knew that millions went into it, but I didn’t know the full extent of greed that’s going into it.  Farley himself admits to capitalizing. 

 

But like all bubbles, this one will pop.  Hopefully.  Then maybe our kids can go back to learning again.

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In somewhat related news, here’s a great chart of just how many math topics we throw at our kids each year as opposed to A+ countries where students excel in math…
http://zerosumruler.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/us-vs-a-countries-breadth-vs-depth-in-math-which-is-better/

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US vs A+ Countries: Breadth vs Depth in Math. Which is better? December 6, 2010

(Click chart to enlarge)

Schmidt, William H., Wang, Hsing Chi., McKnight, Curtis C., J Curriculum Studies, 2005, volume 37, number 5, pages 525–559

 

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Math Around the World…. June 20, 2010

 

US vs A+ Nations

The file above is a chart (pasted into Microsoft Word, alternatively you can click the picture below) that shows the differences in topics covered in math throughout the world.  Really, it’s just a comparison of math topics covered in the US and in countries where math seems to come second nature to students. 

 

What’s striking is how MANY topics we cover each year in the US and how much overlap there is between grades.  In Flemish Belgium, for example, 3 topics are covered in first grade as compared to the 14 that are covered by US first grade teachers.  How is it possible to completely cover 14 topics a year?   It’s not possible.  The chart explains a lot.