Readin', 'Ritin', and 'Rithmatic
One thing that's occurred to me a few times of late is that the focus in recent years on standardized tests for public schools, and the paring down of the curriculum to "readin' 'ritin' and 'rithmatic" is a tool used to keep younger generations from being equipped to ask thoughtful questions about our political policies and our society. There's an anti-intellectual movement in this country. Just look at the fool occupying the White House right now. Anything that promotes creative thought (art, music, philosophy) is being thrown out for lack of a budget (though football seems to remain fully funded through it all). History is being "taught to the test" so kids learn to fill out multiple choice questions about our past in the time that they should be learning to ask questions and form theories and thoroughly analyze it. And where is the grass roots level of the conservative anti-intellectual movement consolidated? In local school boards.
You know, you can have broadly supported standards that promote creative thinking. I went to an International Baccalaureate school, which is standard across the world but requires deep analysis. Yes, some grading in that case will always be subjective, but if you're going to teach people to think, that comes with the territory. Reducing academic achievement to just what can be measured in multiple choice is really no choice at all.
7:50:25 AM 
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