When I was either in graduate school or working toward my Ed.D., I was required to read the book, "How to Lie with Statistics" by Darrell Huff. This book changed my perception of education and measurement of educational achievement forever.
It seems that the "big wigs" LOVE LOVE LOVE statistics. They will print graphs, scatter plots, bar charts, etc. and expect that we (the teachers, parents, community) will just take their reports at face value. I AM HERE TO SAY....I am very much DONE with this type of business as usual. I am tired of people using scatter plots and bar graphs to support their position -- when the very charts and graphs they use DON'T support their position....but many are just so "in awe" of the charts that they take things at face value.
NCLB: The No Child Left Behind Act (a reauthorization of ESEA--the Elementary and Secondary Education Act) requires that decisions be data drive. My question becomes this WHO....WHO...WHO is verifying the data?
My grandma used to say, "You can either impress them with brilliance or baffle them with bullsh#t" Go figure. I have taken 3 stats class...Undergrad, graduate school, and doctoral. It is painful to sit through meetings being treated as if I am too stupid to figure out that what they are syaing is....well.....you know.
"It is painful to sit through meetings being treated as if I am too stupid..."
Here, here! Don't you think that if everyone in this world approached each other with dignity and respect it would solve the world's biggest problems?
Posted by: Sharon @ What Is Sharon Doing Now?! | December 29, 2009 at 08:10 AM
Good post, Mike! I agree. My eyes glaze over when the color-coded charts come out. The most important things kids learn in school can't be measured. Too bad those things aren't valued.
Posted by: Lee Kolbert | December 29, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Sharon: What we inherently lack these days (in schools) is civility. I personally believe that those in charge generally think that they can treat teachers, and bus drivers, and cafeteria workers, and other subordinates any way they wish. The way we have been spoken to (just this year alone) is astonishing. Hopefully, the usn will come out tomorrow!
Posted by: MikeyMike | December 29, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Hold on a minute. Why aren't teachers taking responsibility here? Are we victims? hmmm
In my opinion, much too often teachers shrug, whimper and talk among themselves at their mistreatment. Make no mistake - since the beginning of time, teachers have been abused and by many stakeholders. Sadly, they often act like the ultimate victims, beat into submission by edicts. (Teacher unions are wimpy and counties divide and conquer via district).
Teachers should be the smartest people on the face of the planet. Perhaps they are, but too many sure do not back their thinking with action. So, if someone is treating us like fools or "stupid" people (a la this blog), then perhaps it is time to gather the forces and move to act as a force to be reckoned with - yes, but in a take charge of education mode.
As we all have learned from our first meetings with our accountants - figures don't lie but the liars sure do figure... The stats are a game for the state and then the state plays the game for the nation. Games.
And, I would also add that much of what kids learn is measurable and then again some things are not... There is often a way to know, thus tests and measurements. Yeah, I took the courses about 4 times myself. It is not all that black and white. There is a balance.
While wars were planned behind closed doors, they were waged openly, with appropriate artillery and dedicated men/women. Any volunteers?
Posted by: Michele | December 29, 2009 at 02:49 PM