Dumbing Up

Prior to reading our local rag tonight, I would have still used the term “dumbing down” to express my opinion on public education practices here in the U.S.  Many classes, taught in schools throughout the country, have gutted curriculums to appeal to the lowest common denominator in each class, and this prior to the “No Child Left Behind” claptrap.

But tonight, after reading an AP article titled "Failed math or English?  No problem," not only will curriculums continue to be dumbed down, but students will be dumbed up.  What, you may ask, do I mean by that?  This, as reported is happening down in Houston, Texas.

"City schools are dropping a policy that required high school students to pass such core courses as English and math before moving to the next grade."

CNN titled their story on this “Houston approves new student promotion plan."

Here’s a quote from the CNN story that almost makes me cry.

"I view this policy ahead of us as compassionate high standards,” said district trustee Dianne Johnson."

WTF are “compassionate high standards?”

The New York Times titled their story “Houston Schools Ease Rules on High School Promotion."

Posted by on 04/12 at 03:27 PM

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