1/26/09 lecture Class

In class we briefly discussed standards, and then moved onto No Child Left Behind. The pros and cons were both discussed. Some of the pros were, math and reading test scores are up, the gap between African American and Spanish students to white students is smaller, and more students are enrolled in higher math leveled classrooms. Some of the cons to NCLB are; many schools may feel the need to lie or cheat in order to have good results, the states can lower their standards and make their tests easier, scores are based on standardized tests so teachers are only focusing on how to get those scores up, and if you do not do as well as expected for a certain amount of time funding can be taken away from the school. We also talked about how technology, when used correctly can sometimes help with meeting standards. There are three key words for this; efficient, effective, and enhancement. Using technology in some cases can help the students understand better, because they came from technology, and they know how to use it. Students enjoy using and learning about technology, so if we can use it to help meet standards it is good for everyone!