Commentary On Standardized Testing

     On Tuesday February 18, 2012 The Statesman posted an editorial by Laura Subrin Yeager arguing against a recent proposal of more standardized testing made by a paid Texas representative. Yeager argued that the tests did nothing but increase the drop out rate along with denying hard working students admission to college while raising the salaries of the test makers and graders. Yeager also suggests that because of the test makers wages rising with each standardized test, perhaps this is why the Austin Chamber and the Texas Association of Business make the tests out to be absolutely necessary for an improved workforce. 
     Yeager's commentary was posted along with several replies disagreeing with standardized testing.
    
     I would say it's safe to assume that Laura is a credible source considering her article is coherent and well written along with it being about her opinion. This article is really intended for any audience but I'm sure it's most easily relatable to college students and young adults.
     
     I definitely agree with Laura. There are several other states (and from a larger scale countries!) that surpass Texas educationally. Standardized testing should most definitely be decreased. Being a former high school student, I know when I say that those tests are ridiculously difficult and most of time don't even contain information that any human being will ever need to know. The tests are set up to trick and confuse the students.


     This obviously puts a huge stress on teachers because their students outcome on these ridiculous tests is reflection of "how they're doing their job". There could be an amazingly talented teacher who can educate a biology student about all sorts of plants and animals but literally is not allowed to teach that material because they're so stressed about imprinting meaningless facts into the students minds.


     Even if a student DOES remember everything they're taught for the testing, it's just memorizing. The student doesn't learn any life skills or information that will potentially help their profession of choice. I guess I'm ranting a little, it's just extremely disappointing to have spent four years of my life in a day care where a lot of what I learned is just memorization with no background knowledge of the subject. All of the information is HOW it's done not WHY it's done.


     I also strongly agree with Laura that the Texas Association of Business and Austin Chamber are completely aware of all of this but could quite possible care less because some of the money from making and grading the test is somehow finding a way into their pocket. 


     So, in conclusion, I agree with this argument about decreasing standardized testing and promoting a much freer and creative teaching environment. 

Occupy Proves Relentless

On February 6th 2012 the Statesmen posted a blog about a recent set back in the Occupy Austin movement.
     On Monday February 3rd, Peace Officers and policemen went to City Hall to forcefully remove the pedestrians protesting with the Occupy movement. The Occupiers were also informed of City Hall's new rules and curfew: No one is from this point forward allowed to sleep at City Hall and the grounds close at 10pm and open again at 6am. Anyone found sleeping on the property during those hours will be asked to leave and if do not comply will be evicted.
     During the recent eviction no one was harmed, however apparently one of the Occupiers threw a can at a Peace Officer. Clearly this caused the officer much pain and discomfort as the man who allegedly threw the can was then arrested. The Can-Thrower's Occupy buddies denied the can-throwing ever happened. Seeing as we are a country that abides by "innocent until proven guilty"and Can-Thrower "couldn't be reached for comment", the possibly innocent Occupier was wheeled into custody.
     After the last of the Occupiers were escorted, Peace Officers and police found 30,000 dollars worth of damage done to City Hall by the movement participants, including painting, drawing, and sewage damage where people flushed paper towels and even attempted clothing.
      However, although this is a minor setback, Occupy participants say that this is almost "reinvigorated"the movement and given them an extra boost to persevere. After the participants were evicted from City Hall, they held a march to protest homelessness which drew extra attention to the movement and helped to enlighten several onlookers.
       I suggest reading this article because it's informative of the Occupy Austin movement as well as slightly humorous.