T&C Chapters 4&5 (Reading Analysis)

I find it interesting how some of the practices of schooling that we consider modern are actually history repeating itself. T&C discuss how one room schools were managed and how at the time of its original implementation, did not seem to pose a problem. Today, some have chosen to send their children to Montessori schools (in itself not a new concept), which practice this mixed age style of education. In the 1870’s when the graded school system was put into place, it was a concern that teachers would plan their lessons strictly according to what was needed for students to pass test and advance to the next grade. This is still a concern today. With teaching jobs being at stake and states wanting to reduce student retention, there is much focus on students passing standardize test. When scores are low, it is a reflection upon the district, administrators, and teachers. With so much pressure placed on testing, what would one expect a teacher to do? There is also the original idea of kindergarten, to allow children to play. We eventually wanted a more structured “real school” learning environment in preparation for first grade. Within the last few years, some kindergarten classrooms have reverted back to learning through play, which cause uproar from some parents. Does recycling educational practices cater to the reason that we have not advanced in school reform today?
Some may say that learning issues with education developed during integration. This is not true according to the text. Students have always fell into the category of below average, but it was not as detectable or a concern because of one room classroom environments. The idea of the graded system is a reason why we have to install new program to assist students of various needs. The original idea was to make it easier for the teacher to instruct all students in the same manner and at the same pace. Basically teach it and they will get it type of mentality. Anyone going into or already in education can see how this poses a problem.
I was not aware that so many business concepts have been applied to education. The concept of NASDC is no better than how Congress can react to an education crisis. Why do we keep using people who are far removed from the classroom to have the final say in implementing an educational strategy? In 1991, a group of parents are asked their thoughts on America 2000 (no drugs or violence in schools, every adult literate, students first in math and science). The text posed the question, “What will happen to public confidence in leaders-and in public schools-when these impossible goals are not met in the millennial year 2000?” (T&C p 132). It is 2009 and I honestly do not believe that the percentages would be stagnant.