[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Never Doubt Worse

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Never Doubt Worse
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1219290816.shtml


   No matter what you think of public education, good or bad, this is a
   stunner, from [1]The Dallas Morning News via Glenn Beck:

     Dallas public school students who flunk tests, blow off homework
     and miss assignment deadlines can make up the work without penalty,
     under new rules that have angered many teachers.
     The new rules will be distributed when teachers return to their
     campuses next week. But many who have already seen the regulations
     say they are too lenient on slackers, and will come at the expense
     of kids who work hard.
     For example, the new rules require teachers to accept late work and
     prevent them from penalizing students for missed deadlines.
     Homework grades that would drag down a student's overall average
     will be thrown out.

   As I compose this post, I still can't believe it. I am at least
   gratified that the teachers are speaking up this time. They can't
   believe it, either.

     "The purpose behind it is to ensure fair and credible evaluation of
     learning â from grade to grade and school to school," said Denise
     Collier, the district's chief academic officer.

   This from someone whose title strongly suggests should be one of the
   smartest people in the district? As Dennis Prager says, you have to go
   to Graduate School to become this stupid.

     The new guidelines were developed by district staff and did not
     require school board approval.

   I don't quite understand that. The Board could simply summon the
   Superintendent and tell him that the firings will begin in five
   minutes, starting with his own. He'd have that long to explain rules
   like these:
     * Homework grades should be given only when the grades will "raise a
       student's average, not lower it."
     * Teachers must accept overdue assignments, and their principal will
       decide whether students are to be penalized for missing deadlines.
     * Students who flunk tests can retake the exam and keep the higher
       grade.
     * Teachers cannot give a zero on an assignment unless they call
       parents and make "efforts to assist students in completing the
       work."

   You might think this can't happen here. I submit this is the tip of an
   iceberg, most of it lurking below the surface. It's already begun.
   Exhibit A: over one third of Minnesota public high school graduates
   need remedial work when they attend Minnesota public colleges.

References

   1. file://localhost/var/www/powerblogs/speedgibson/posts/1219290816.html