Some States Drop Testing Bar (The Dumbing Down of America™)

WSJ ^ | 10/30/2009 | John Hechinger

[markomalley]

More states lowered their standards for academic proficiency in recent years than raised them, and nearly all used exams that fell short of federal testing benchmarks, according to a new study.

The research, issued by the U.S. Department of Education, called into question the rigor of tests that states select to comply with student-improvement mandates of the federal No Child Left Behind law. It also cast doubt on claims of educational progress made by many states.

Education Department analysts found that 15 states lowered their proficiency standard on at least one fourth- or eighth-grade test of reading or math between 2005 and 2007. Eight states raised the bar.

States have long been suspected of lowering testing standards to show improvement under the NCLB law. The fresh research is sure to figure into the debate over reauthorization of the law, which has been attacked both by conservatives and liberals.

[markomalley]

Of course they are dumbing down standards. As long as we have unionized teachers, that will be the norm.

[Doogle]

NJ has been way ahead of this...as a matter of fact,I’d go to say, it’s lead.

[UCFRoadWarrior]

With all the illegal aliens and minorities in public schools....you knew they were going to dumb down the standards.

Of course, with standards set by the socialist No Child Left Behind (RINO Bush, Liberal Ted Kennedy’s bill), its the battle between one group of big government socialists and another group of big government socialists

[raygunfan]

hmm, lies from the lefty teachers unions and their minions...im shocked and amazed...

[timetostand]

If you love your children there are three options you need to consider. Home school, Private school, or at the very least personally teach your kids how to read which IMO is the most fundamental skill anyone can possess. If you can read and enjoy reading, you can self educate.

[umgud]

As a single dad, the best thing I ever did was to put all 4 of my kids thru private school. They’re all successful adults now. No drugs, no jail, no trauma and no drama.

[Chode]

and America takes another one in the........

[seemoAR]

Weird. The whole grading system was adjusted in the school I attended. Far too many students were failing after Integration. At one point, they had A,B,C,D,D1,D2,and F.

[Canedawg]

If they dumb down the country any further, we’ll be electing unaccomplished anti-American foreigners with mindless mantras for campaign slogans to public office-—never mind.

[DustyMoment]

More states lowered their standards for academic proficiency in recent years than raised them, and nearly all used exams that fell short of federal testing benchmarks, according to a new study.

GREEEEAAAAAATTT!! That's JUST what America needs to regain its role as the world's leader - MORE children too dumb to come in out of the rain unless someone tells them!!!!

Bush's NCLB act may have been well-intentioned (think road to h*ll!), but it has lead to a worsening of academic standards supported largely by "teachers" who want to be paid for doing nothing!!!

As long as teachers get their "money for nothing (and chicks for free!)", the public schools could all close their doors and no one would notice the difference. Until WE demand higher academic standards and the end of unionized public schools, this situation will not get better. And, our kids and our country will pay the price!!!!