People find Wassie the whale unbelievable, really!

[Sandra Mathison <smathison@LOUISVILLE.EDU>]

This past summer I made a video (still working on editing it down to 20
mins so it is more usable) that illustrates in a sort SNL, Monty Python
sort of way what the issues are around HSTing and who the players in the
debates are.  (I made the video for a presentation on representation of
knowledge, but that is another story.)

Anyway, one of the elements I included is the industry around promoting
success on tests--through canned practice testing materials and
inspirational tactics.  One of the things I included is a Martha Stewart
type segment illustrating all these marvelous products--Wassie the Whale
figured prominently here.  I played a snippet of that jazzy  Wassie the
Whale song.  People who have seen the video think I made this stuff up.
They are positively incredulous when I tell them not a thing has been
fabricated--hell, I couldn't make something like that up if I wanted to!

I think it is a bit cavalier to simply toss this off and say just
someone trying to make a buck.  While that is true, it also indicates
the commodification of students' experiences in schools.  Achievement
can be marketed, bought and sold.  It is a cute but dangerous example of
capitalism at school.

Sandra

Sandra Mathison
Professor
Educational Leadership, Foundations & Human Resource Ed
College of Education & Human Development
University of Louisville
Louisville KY 40292
502 852 0616

lissen to learn, learn to lissen
                               Dr. John
>>> aburke@VANSD.ORG 01/10/02 11:42 AM >>>
Simply an example of someone trying to make a buck - nothing more to it
than that.

>>> Jedoyon@AOL.COM 01/10 8:23 AM >>>
I've posted this link before, but I just visited again to assure myself
that
yes, the education gods are crazy.  Wassie's daddy is the principal of
the
elementary where my twins attended.  He only started there in their 6th
grade
year, so we weren't together long ;-)  I apologize in advance if the
graphics
here mess anyone up for the day, but it's worth it this time.  Perhaps
Fairtest should post links to the insanity?  Surely Washington isn't the
only
state blessed with a testing mascot.


 <A HREF="http://www.wassiethewhale.com/";>WASSIE THE WHALE</A>
http://www.wassiethewhale.com/

Attention Principals, Teachers, & PTA Board Members
Wassie the Whale will help inspire your students as they prepare for the
Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Through story and
song,
Wassie the Whale will captivate young and old alike, as he tells how he
is
"Watching All Students Succeed In Education."

A Basket of Whales

<A HREF="http://www.wassiethewhale.com/orderform.html";>For Phone And Fax
Orders, Print Order Form</A>



Wassie Bean Bag Friend
    Our hope is your school's WASL scores will improve as Wassie the
Whale
encourages your students to do their best. By placing this light blue
Bean
Bag Friend on their desk as they take the WASL, your students will
remain
focused on learning.

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