I have been an Educator for 2 years and a student for a lot longer. Rebublicons and those who wish to make a profit off of our public education system have been in full force using standardized exams as their weapon of choice. I have been thinking long and hard and realize all of us who are against their war on students, parents and educators for money can be won by removing the ability of anyone making and grading exams from making any profit. Follow me after the fold to read some of my ideas.
One of the largest weapons right now against public education is the standardized exam. The be all end all in our education system, so much so that teachers are now graded on how their students do on the tests. A system that once was used to see where students needed help is now used to make or break the lively hood of a professional. Even more devious is how these so called education reformers throw back the statement that educators who are against their reforms don't want what they offer because they don't want to be held accountable. Well I think I know how to combat their emotional triggering words and take away some of these thugs power. Let's rally to take profit out of standardized testing...
Yes, it is that simple. Let's get mothers, fathers, students, administrators, educators and all others to fight moneyed interests making a profit off of test creation, grading, and selling to schools. The amount of money that each state and school district spends on these companies is obscene and is such an easy emotional rallying cry that I think if we get enough people together we can possibly turn the tide and begin to truly fix the damages already committed by these people.
If someone can get me the numbers on how much money has been made by these companies and maybe even make charts then maybe we could start a website or even an org to promote this.
Please respond with any comments, criticisms, etc. thanks