More recycled Rawrahs -OR- NCLB? TIMSS? FUBAR!

November 27, 1996

On this, the day before we give thanks for the abundance that surrounds us, it falls upon me to find something for which to be thankful. Individually, I can't complain. I'm thankful for health and family, food, clothing, shelter and love. I'm thankful for things that work. Beyond that, I ask myself where our abundance lies and it appears to be in our inharmoniousness; our societal discord and an inability to grapple with even simple problems. It is naive to think that people will pause tomorrow and realize that we're all in the same boat. I have more to be thankful for than many, but I don't think that weighs in well against what we face.

The long awaited(?) Third International Mathematics and Science Study was unveiled last week. Forty-eight countries around the world participated at grades 4,7,8 and 12. The 7th & 8th grade results were released last week. The 4th and 12th grade results won't be ready until June. I'm sure you caught the in-depth coverage it got on the networks. Well, okay, there was a three minute, three-way exchange on the Sunday morning NBC program that barely got past the introductions, but it had to be short; there was just too much to cover surrounding the O.J. trial.

The U.S. fared well in some areas. We lead the world in text book size, with our curriculum being described as, "a mile wide and an inch deep". The north beat the south, the suburbs beat the cities. We still lag behind Japan, but for once it can't be blamed on us watching too much television; the Japanese are our equal in that respect.

In what is becoming a disturbing, but less than inspiring rallying cry, we are being told that "it's not as bad as we might think". American students scored better at life sciences and environmental issues, but struggle with measurement and geometry. In other words, they have depth of knowledge in recent events, but that inch-deep math curriculum renders them hapless in gauging all of the angles at play.

I'm thankful because I recognize that the Fo Pa schools are ahead of the curve in education. Mr. S, the board, principals and staffs didn't wait, they recognized the problem, rallied support within the community and implemented a workable solution. The information that comes out of this latest study will help fine tune and advance our already excellent schools. We were lucky. The right people, were in the right place, at the right time. I would like to think that reflects on our judgment as a community and provides us with reasons to be hopeful for the future.

The TIMSS report looks at what we do, how we do it and where our focus is in relation to where we would like to go. It is intended to be used locally, as a benchmark for comparing our own, specific set of results in relation to the rest of mankind. If we can restrain those who will likely try to apply a mile wide and inch deep solution to the shortcomings revealed in the study, and instead provide a roadmap for communities in addressing their own unique needs, we will gain ground.

When you hear people, as we no doubt will, calling for systemic treatment plans, overhauls, sweeping reforms, a national curriculum or some other miracle cure, remember that we are not ailing. I love the idea that Fo Pa was able to make changes that demonstrated such a marked improvement in a relatively short time-frame. It lends support to the feeling that anything is possible, if we put our minds to the task. Our kids have proven equal to the challenge of setting the bar up higher. Now it's our turn.

12 years later: It would be tough to argue that we haven't gone the OPPOSITE way.
Teachers everywhere are so busy teaching the test that local schools and local influence are now moot points. The funding football has been pointlessly been kicked from sideline to sideline, up and down the field, without resolution to the basic inequities. "Show us results and MAYBE we'll consider more funding." When improvement is shown, the predictable reply: "See, you didn't NEED more funding after all." Just keep it up now, and by the way, juggle this running chainsaw while you're at it. By January we'd like to you to implement the newly designed curriculum. Next year's "standardized" test is currently being completely re-written.
It seems we completely overlooked a thing or two in the last 10 re-writes. Make sure to teach this new test until the next new test is announced.