Standardized Tests

It seems that, despite facing a tougher curriculum in our schools, Michigan students continue to struggle with standardized tests. While some scores are up, and those interestingly enough in science and math, others are down, particularly in writing skills. In whatever subject, almost half still failed in math, while a solid 53% failed in writing.

The results are definitely a mixed bag. When analyzed further, what is shown is something not really surprising at all: wealthier areas scored better than poorer. The simple fact is that, where there's a greater community and parental involvement in the schools, there's greater progress.

Harder course studies simply won't affect that. While there's little doubt that something has to be tried with ineffective schools, there is also little reason to believe that any method will ever be workable in some areas. It is worth asking whether the best answer for failing students and failing schools is to simply lower standards, to allow lower achieving students to get on with their lives doing whatever work they are capable of doing.

Not everyone can or wants to do math; why make them? If they don't care for social studies, there simply isn't a lot which can be done to force them. Indeed, sometimes the best lessons are the ones taught by everyday life. They may be the only lessons some can learn.