I dont think much of Secretary Duncan, really. But when he said this, I applauded and laughed. Once rigorous national standards are implemented, rich white suburban parents suddenly discover that the dumbed-down standards of their lavishly financed local school basically are turning out egocentric morons who think they are prepared for a global economy. Rather than confront this reality, they want a return to the old core curriculum -- a reassuring lie that makes everyone feel good but isnt teaching squat. Im reminded of the young freshmen girl who was in a class I taught. She had to turn in a short term paper, whose elements were laid out very, very clearly in the syllabus: no fewer than five pages, no more than 10 pages; one-inch margins; 12-point Times New Roman font; double spaced; at least 10 footnotes for no fewer than five sources (including two books). She turned in three pages of huge font, huge margins, and no footnotes. She got a D. After getting her papers back, she broke down in tears in front of other students, weeping. I asked her what was wrong. I wont make Deans List! was her lament. Through her tears, she told me how shed always made Deans List in high school, no matter what. She was just that smart. Everyone recognized how smart she was; why couldnt I recognize it?? Because, I said, she was told what the rules for a minimal paper were (this didnt address the quality of the work, notice, just the technical format) and she ignored them. But I wont make Deans List! she cried. No, you wont.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:56:07 +0000
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