TEST SCORES

[upnorth]

I agree with everything you said say_oww, but I would add that throwing more money at education does not necessarily guarantee a better result in the classroom. The public will often agree to increase taxation and spending if they can see that there is a tangible benefit in doing so (e.g. the new State College High School building project at ~115 million). These tests are an attempt to create a level of measurement/accountability for the school districts, mainly because the legislature/districts/unions could not agree on a better and/or alternative method.

One of the unfortunate byproducts of this is teachers teaching to the test. I know in the Bellefonte Area School District, our normal curriculum is placed on hold a few WEEKS before the standardized test as everyone gears up for the exam. That is a lot of lost instruction time every school year.

You want better outcomes? Make the class sizes smaller (somewhere between 14 and 20 depending on the subject area) regardless of how many kids are in the building and place less focus on standardized testing. Concentrate on developing critical thinking skills and how to work effectively alone or in a group. Will you spend/tax more? Yes, but you will provide the best possible opportunity for the student. Mom and Dad have a very critical part to play as well. They have to encourage their children and get involved in the process (e.g. interact with faculty/administration, encourage independent reading, etc.) to help ensure success.

Finally, collaborate with faculty to create a concrete and measurable set of teacher performance metrics. Too often there is resistance on this front due to the many variables that factor into the educational experience, but we must have a system that identifies faculty the need mentoring/professional development (or another profession).

[billmurray]

wow, are you guys really debating the intelligence of high school kids from different districts with insults? Personally this thread should get washed off the board.

[Crimson's Ghost]

The only problem with this thread is that it has nothing to do with football.

[PLDragons24]

This seems like something that should go in "The Coffee Shop" forum

[knowitall]

Simply scroll past it if you do 't want to read it. I haven't read one insult.

[youngbuck]

Second time I asked what does this have to do with football. Agree this needs bumped out of football forum

[knowitall]

Again, scroll right by it. You do not have to read it.

[D6sports101]

If they do not like the situation at a Johnstown or Richland they can always make the drive to bishop McCort to get the great "catholic education" that everyone longs for. Of course for academic reasons only though even if they may be an all-state athlete or something.

[Crimson's Ghost]

It'll die down soon, I don't feel like I need to move the topic to a different forum. It still has nothing to do with football, but as someone mentioned, anyone can scroll past it if they choose.

For future reference though, there are other forums besides this football one. If you want to discuss things beyond the gridiron.

[Coachcal]

Maybe I just see it wrong, but environment has alot to do with it. BTW, I'm a Stonycreek Twp. guy who went to JHS and now teaches at Westmont. Im in no way saying that JHS teachers are to blame for test scores, nor do I say that high performing schools owe it all to the teachers. oney cant be the answer in all cases, if that were so, Westmont spends far less per pupil than most.
My only grind on here was the way the scoring is done, which is the only reason i added to the thread. Also, what insults? I didnt see anyone being insulted.