While test scores have increased slightly, the news still isn't good.
According to newly-released ACT scores, 28% of this year's high-school graduates did not score high enough on the standardized test to meet the standards for expected college success.
Nearly three in 10 test takers (28%) failed to meet any of the benchmarks in the four core subject areas of English, math, reading and science.
In all actuality, I doubt there are much more than 25% who actually NEED college, in terms of a 4 year degree. Alot of kids simply need training in a trade that they enjoy that will put them in the workforce in months-2 years, not a 4 year advanced degree.
ReplyDeletethis is NO surprise. our schools have been "dumbed down" for the past 30 years. again; most citizens are the frog in the warm water and don't have a clue.
ReplyDeleteolder citizens who went through the government schools back in the day do get it. most see what has happened and are very concerned. many of us tried to warn the powers that be at the time but we were ignored, pushed aside and told this wasn't a problem and the school system admin. really didn't want us to "get involved" because they didn't want us to cause waves.
the results are seen today in the number of private, religious and home schools. there had to be an alternative because we all realized you only get one opportunity to educate your children. there is NO "redo".
i urge parents to do what you can to be VERY pro-active with your children regarding their education. if you must keep them in the government schools; read their books, read with them and by all means let them read to you. check the info in their books to see what they are teaching your children as you may be very surprised. many of the facts are wrong and the topics aren't what we were taught back in the day. many parents would not approve. you get the picture. enough for now.
As a retired high school teacher, I would say that the figure is accurate. I do agree with 2:11. For so long we have been telling kids that they need to have a college degree. Look at how many college grads cannot find jobs. In the meantime, the classes at vocational schools almost always are underpopulated because so many kids feel there's a stigma in attending them. A person who learns a trade and who excels can almost name his or her salary. We need good plumbers, electricians, carpenters, auto mechanics, medical techs, and the like. Rather than investing $100,000 in four years of college (and that's a low figure), become efficient in a trade.
ReplyDeleteDumbing down the curriculum and "EVERY Child Left Behind" have led to the demise of education.
ReplyDeleteThank you, 3:11, you summed it up perfectly. Too bad the statistic leaves out the high school dropouts. I do agree, however, those that choose vocational school will be in high demand and get good jobs. My eldest child graduated 4 years and got a job in her field at $12.00 per hour...
ReplyDeleteThank you George W. Bush for No Child Left Behind!
ReplyDelete