Re: Pelosi Task Force is a hoax

[aburke5054@aol.com]

-----Original Message-----
 From: shays@ccwebster.net
 To: arn-l@interversity.org
 Sent: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 8:18 PM
 Subject: Re: [arn-l] Pelosi Task Force is a hoax
 
 ...
 Billee ... Art is not particularly concerned about what works best for individual children (and neither is NCLB). The pudding lies only in the sum total of average scores on tests and meeting some arbitrary performance goal each year. If results of said scores are not universally proficient, then they can be improved only by using prescribed methods and materials (and, if the parents find it useful and choose such a course, stern discipline and focus on convergent thinking). If those efforts are not sufficient, then we must do more of it and for longer periods of time (longer each day, longer each year). If the privileged class (or those who want to work real hard ... or push their kids real hard ... in order to pretend that they are a part of the privileged class, or might be admitted to it if they work hard enough) can enjoy multiple approaches to instruction, rich classroom environments filled with the best (or at least high quality) materials, summers off and all the other advantages broad educational and learning research suggests is best for children ... well, they are a part of the privileged class, after all! 
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 NCLB requires states to invest in schools until all their children reach proficiency. Of all the ridiculous claims that I have seen in here, your claim that the goal of bringing all children to proficiency ignores individuals takes the cake. Although your claim that parents and kids commit themselves to hard work in order to "pretend that they are part of the privileged class" is a close runner-up. Your schematized view of the educational world is precisely the reason that choice is so vital to parents and kids.
 
 Artl 
   
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