The discrepant results could be obtained by evoking one or more of
the following explanations: 1) Students' capabilities in writing and
math markedly deteriorate in the three years between elementary school
and high school; 2) The elementary teaching staff is far superior to
that in high school; 3) The standardized tests are too difficult in
high school; or conversely, 4) The standardized tests are too easy in
elementary school and do not reflect solid foundation needed to succeed
in high school.
Of these possible explanations, only the last seems reasonable, since,
as the education commissioner stated in reference to last year's dismal
11th-grade results: "...I would argue that if you look at the content,
it really isn't that tough." I would argue that the "excellent"
performance by elementary students is illusory. Students are not being
adequately prepared for the demands of high school writing and
mathematics. The solution to this problem is to revamp the inadequate
state standards and to "raise the bar" for elementary and middle school
students, so they can succeed in high school and beyond.
Marc Lanser, MD
Fayston
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