Blog Stage 8: Commentary on "Race to the Top"

With the governments new approach in reforming education some minor successes have been achieved. Standardized tests remain to be a prominent feature in how schools will be measured but it won't be the only characteristic they will be rated on. There is a weighted scale for schools to be judged upon. The National Education Association is optimistic about the final revisions put forth by the government. NEA's current President says the programs will “put more emphasis on student growth, teacher practice and improving instruction".

Standardized tests can be both positive and negative. They give schools a general guideline to base a curriculum, allow students opportunities to deal with pressure, stress and critical thinking. They also create a baseline for measuring our nations education system. A few of the negative features of the test are that some schools are robbed of creating a rich learning environment because they find time to only teach elements the children will be tested on. Preparing for these tests also pressures teachers to eliminate recess time, which negatively impacts the well being of children. Lastly, without being revised some standardized tests are still inherently biased against handicaps, culture and gender.

With "Race to the top", schools are seeking new approaches in teaching to win national grants. One of the criteria for the awards are new standardized tests. President Obama wants to amend "No child left behind", but he has no plans to leave the tests behind, they too have merit in education.

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Blog Stage 7: Commentary on US National Government

President Obama laid out a plan tonight to send 30,000 more
US military troops to Afghanistan in the hopes of securing the
country from a government overthrow by the Taliban. After reading
Michael Moore's letter to the President today,
I realized I needed to learn more about the troop surge.

It's surprising how divided Congress and the Presidential Cabinet are
on this issue. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says,
"Hamid Karzai is not a worthy partner". Mainstream media declared
his recent election tainted and corrupt against Abdullah Abdullah.
President Karzai's election granted him a 5 year term and he has pledged to end corruption in the government. Our government recognizes this dangerous ally but still has faith in the power of democracy. That's why were giving with conditions this time around. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton sees Afghanistan being more "positive" than we think. Mrs. Clinton met with President Karzai's government and found "most of the ministers very impressive".

President Obama's decision in my opinion may turn out to be
insightful. If Afghanistan wants to be liberated from their
tribal ancestry they must embrace literacy, technology and
agriculture. With the United States and NATO's support this
impoverished country is going to gain a strong army and an
increase of educated people. I'm hopeful that the percentage of
Afghans that do want corruption to end in their government will
flourish with our country's support. This troop surge will work
to reconstruct Afghanistan, allowing it to defend itself from
it's nearest neighbor in Pakistan, Al Qaeda.