No more printing press, maybe its time to ditch the SATs too!

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The SATs have been around since 1926 and it might be time for colleges to rethink the system.
According to Rick Garlikov, “...often schools teach "to the tests" by giving surface tricks and practice that merely rehearse students for certain limited kinds of content and questions -- those expected to be on the test. But that only treats symptoms and only gives the illusion of successful teaching and learning.” This has been an issue up for discussion over the past few years especially after the new addition of the writing component on the SAT.
Is the SAT a comprehensive assessment of the ability of a student, or the measure of how much a parent is willing to pay in order to have their child tutored for numerous hours on end. Kurt Landgraf, the President of the Educational Testing Service which is the company that designs the SAT said himself, "It's a measure of a student's ability to answer questions at a given place and time.” Does this show how well a person is going to do in the work force or how well they are going to do in college, no one is sure. What do you think?

Its All Too Much!

My parents always say that the material we are learning in middle school and high school is whay they leanred in college! What gives?!

We Never Could Have Thought Education Could Be Such A Burden!

After all of the hard work, can we even afford it all?

Can't A Child Just Play!

When our parents were younger, it was common to go out and play everyday after school and throughout the summer. Do you feel like children and teens today have too many other activities to do that prevent from them getting out to play and have fun? When you were younger do you remember having to stay inside to do work verses going out to play? Do you see younger siblings or the younger children around you having to stay in even more that you had to?

Standardized Testing...Is It Really Worth It?

Are you planning on taking the SATs/ACTs or PSATs and why? Do you believe colleges should count the essay portion? Is standardized testing worth it?

(click on title for a related article on Standardized Testing)

Is Shen Rethinking All Of The Homework?!

While scanning the infamous Shenendehowa Grapevine on the district's website, I stumbled upon a concerned parent:

Posted on January 14, 2010
Are there any policies regarding the amount of homework high schooler's should be getting in each class? My child has had at least three hours of work a night in one class this week. And three teachers announced there would be big projects due over winter break and major tests the day after they return to school. This hardly sounds like a break!

Policy #8440 regarding homework is currently being discussed and revised.

What do you think Shen should do regarding their current homework policy?

Think more homework means a better education? Think again!

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Joseph Grech of the Malta Times has recently published an article on November 15, 2009 expressing the new concerns that have arisen over a student having too much homework. Grech has discovered with more homework being given to today's student, there has been a rise in plagiarism and parents completing a large majority of their child's work. Studies have shown while moderate amounts of work help further a child's education, the abundant amounts students are given today are showing counter productivity on a child's education. Student's with a high amount of homework are shown to have less time for sports, exercise, extra-curricular activities (which are highly encouraged to coincide with today’s schooling), communication with parents and relaxation time which has resulted in stress, unsociable behavior and obesity. Cathy Vatterott has published a book, Rethinking Homework: Best Practices that Support Diverse Needs. This novel tells what every one of today's students want to hear:

1. Students should have homework they can complete without assistance. If they need help, the student should be able to obtain re-teaching or modified assignments.
2. A student's grade should not be put in jeopardy because of incomplete homework and should be given in-school or after-school homework support time if they cannot or will not complete the work at home.
3. A student's relaxation time and adequate sleep shall not be interrupted because of homework.
4. Parents should be able to excuse their child from homework they are too tired to finish or do not understand
5. Families should receive homework free weekends and holidays

If you are feeling overwhelmed with homework and agree with Cathy Vatterott, maybe we should all rethink today's education system and the educational process.


Original Article:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091115/education/counterproductive-homework