Re: Intelligence, Genetics and Equality (was "The Paradoxes...)

["Quan, Cao" <QCao009@AOL.COM>]

In a message dated 6/8/00 7:11:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time, FairTest@AOL.COM
writes:

<< It is hard to fathom what definition of "minimum competence" requires a
 prospective 2nd grade teacher (or high school music specialist or, in fact,
 someone entering any profession other than grammarian) to be able to
 regurgitate the definition of  parts of speech in a high-pressure testing
 situation. >>

Thanks, Bob.  Confusing the ability to define a gerund with the ability to
teach shop or PE is what makes the discussion about standards a false
discussion.  In a long run, teacher bashing doesn't necessarily retain or
bring the best hearts and minds to our profession.  Reform, yes...but may be
a better question would be to look at the form first.

When there's a lack of order or perceived "chaos", is it truly so, or is it
just our inability to perceive and understand the order of chaos?

The paradox is that none of the criteria cited necessarily predicts future
teacher behavior and effectiveness in a heterogeneous, diverse student body
within a multiplicity of teaching goals.  Standardization can only be a stage
in the process of observing, cataloguing, and understanding; thinking of it
as an outcome is profound misperception and ultimately self-defeat.
Ultimately only liars like William Bennett would choose to do that for their
own gain.

Quan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L
to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU.