The February issue of Educational Leadership on “The Challenge of Higher Standards” was “pertinent” but “raised more questions than it answered,” you told us. Here's a sampling of your comments:
“Eisner's `Why Standards May Not Improve Schools' was crisp food for thought.”
“Although I usually find Eisner brilliant, he misses the mark. People like Resnick (The New Standards Project) are interested in criteria. Too many teachers do teach to the bad tests we now use—and won't put in the effort to grow as professionals unless the pressure is applied.
“The article on NCTM's Standards was user-friendly, inspiring.”
“Evans and Sperling discussed students and teachers in human terms.”
“I liked the chart 'Who's Doing What'—great seeing the disciplines all laid out in that format.”
And then...
“(Several articles) were more of the cognitive barbed wire we've been hearing for years. Raising standards is a pathetic approach to reform.”
“When we combine federal government and good education, I yawn at the lack of connection.”
“Would have liked more negative views; presentation was too one-sided.”
“Re: Japan's Cram Schools. Who cares? Cultures are noncomparable.”
“Can Britain's National Curriculum show America the way? I doubt it.”
“The Cram Schools—what a horrible predicament. As we attempt to achieve world standards, we should consider what is an appropriate way to educate learners.”
What You Thought Missing
“How have teachers and administrators worked to design standards?”
“We need to hear about the relationship of standards to the needs of widely varying economic and cultural groups.”
“Where are foreign language instructors now almost 10 years into proficiency testing?”
“Would have liked ASCD's point of view on National Standards.”
More Questions Raised
“Will National Standards keep us from developing multiple intelligences?”
“The relationship of standards to grading—is there one?”
“I like the paradox in your title,“The Challenge of Higher Standards.” Will National Standards be higher standards?
And finally,
“I always seem to hear about trends in education, then read about them the next month in EL. I'm impressed by your rapid response to timely issues.”
Thanks for writing, Readers. If you'd like to critique an issue, call Jo Ann Jones at (703) 549-9110, ext. 407 for a questionnaire.
