May the Force (of Mediocrity) Be With Me

by David Safier

A few more quotes from Horne's live chat on The Star's website.

No W (shanafan): What is the status of AIMS tests for other subjects like science and social studies? Will students also be required to pass these subjects?

Tom H (tomhorneaz): Science is tested in 4th grade and 8th grade, and for high school we test biology. There is a need for a test in chemistry, physics and earth science as well, and I have been advocating for that. We also need a history test in grades 3,6,7, and in high school for american history, world history, government, and economics. These added tests are my highest legislative priority, along with higher salaries for teachers. It is difficult for the next two years because of budget problems, but that is what I am working hardest for.

Standardized, AIMS-style tests in science, history, government and economics? That has to mean a standardized curriculum in all of those subjects. Reading and writing are skills. Math tends to be logically sequential. Even if I don't like the idea of high stakes tests, I have to admit that, of all subjects, reading, writing and math lend themselves to that kind of thing. But what should be emphasized in courses like history or government is open to a great deal of interpretation, and I would rather have teachers choosing what facts and concepts to stress than have that driven by a state test. (By the way, I would love to see how an AIMS biology test treats evolution and how a science test covers the age of the earth. Questions on those topics could cause a few problems with with Horne's constituency.)

No W (shanafan): Why do you think there has been so much resistance to AIMS testing? Most other states have had high stakes testing for years.

Tom H (tomhorneaz): Some other states have, but most have not. If we are going to fight for excellence, we have to expect that the forces of mediocity (sp) will oppose us, and there is joy in the battle.

Coincidentally, it seems I chose another question from the same person.

I'm proud to be called part of "the forces of mediocrity" (and no, I'm not going to make a "He can't even spell mediocrity" joke. This was fast typing. Spelling doesn't count.), if it's Horne who's doing the calling, and especially if it's because I'm not a fan of AIMS. If he wants to declare that testing is the front line in the "fight for excellence" and "there is joy in the battle," well, what can I say? Maybe if we elect a few more Democrats to the state legislature, Tommy will lose a few of his playmates, and things won't be as much fun any more. That's one more reason to work hard for Democratic candidates this election season.

Comments

[James A. Bretney]

You have done a pretty good job macking your opponent. But you haven't done such a good job making the case why standardized tests are bad.

Your opposition to multiple choice History tests is a little silly as well. A lot of college students have a hard time discerning the combatants in the Second World War - that's a disgrace. A multiple choice History question for a fourth grader should be:

37. Which of the following nations fought in WWII?
A. Argentina
B. The Ottoman Empire
C. The United States
D. The Chichimec Tribe
E. The Kingdom of Sweden

You need to start backing your arguments with fact. Secondly, answer the queston: are you a member of the teacher's union?