Standardized tests are only able to measure correct multiple choice answers. They cannot measure a child's creativity, their ability to problem solve, or their ability to critically evaluate information.
The culture of achievement that has accompanied the push for higher test scores has had severe physical and psychological effects on students. Taylor (2010) claims that academic stress is the greatest source of stress faced by school-aged children. He notes that many high school and college students have turned to performance-enhancing drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin to help them concentrate. Finally, he claims that teen suicide rates have risen drastically in recent years, particularly among girls. In summary, the ever-increasing push for higher test scores has created an academic culture where stressed out students and frustrated teachers are the norm, and where very little authentic learning actually takes place. Race to the Top's push for even higher test scores may only exacerbate this already toxic situation.
Finally, some educators are concerned about the possibility that the acceptance of federal funds will force state and local educational agencies to surrender more power to the federal government. For instance, under the current educational system, school districts and states have the authority to design and implement sets of standards and objectives for their students. They determine how to improve their assessments at the local and state level, and they have the authority to determine how educators and administrators are evaluated. However, under the provisions of Race to the Top, these powers may be usurped from local and state educational agencies. Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, intends to "reserve up to $350 million to help states create assessments aligned to common sets of standards" (Hamilton, 2009). These standards will be determined at a national level. This motion could overrule any state or local input into determining what standards are taught in schools. In addition, before they are rewarded federal funds, states must submit plans to raise their academic and assessment standards. They must also share their plans for how they intend to implement rigorous teacher and principal training programs and evaluation systems (Hamilton, 2009). Under Race to the Top, local and state agencies may lose the power to determine faculty training...
Race and Media Larson, Stephanie Greco. (2006). Media & Minorities: The Politics of Race in News and Entertainment. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Print. The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States guarantees, among other rights, that Americans will have the right to free speech. It is based on the premise of this right that there is also a free press in the U.S., and solidifies the fact
Furthermore, while acknowledging that there was a consciousness of whiteness and white superiority in other lands, such as England, Roediger points out that part of the Americanization process for European immigrants was to become white, and that this process involved internalizing feelings of racism and hatred towards blacks. Affirmative Action and the Politics of Race by Manning Marable Manning Marable is a pro-affirmative action author, and he begins his essay by
Race/Racism: Who are you? Vietnamese Americans are Americans who have a Vietnamese heritage. Vietnamese people living in the United States make up close to have of the Vietnamese people leaving overseas. The Vietnamese Americans are one of the largest Asian American ethnicities. Other Asian ethnicities include the Indians, Filipinos, and the Chinese. The Asian Americans have a distinct characteristic from other Americans. I define myself as an Asian American. The media
Specifically reported by Coy is that the "recent launch of a black Disney princess may be an indicator of greater cultural diversity, but in terms of the 'girl power' values it carries the view that it is 'a great step . . . [and] could help black children see themselves more positively' (Adesioye, 2009) fails to address how it will reinforce messages of sexualization for black girls." (2009) to
Race and Incarceration Prison The American Penal System has gone through various changes but the most profound changes have been studied in relation the race inequality. Going to jail has become the norm for most of the African-American men. This inequality through incarceration is visible not only in men but in women also. There was a 78% increase in the criminal justice control rates for black women. It was studied that between
Race, Gender, Sex - Rollin' the Rs I wrote this to try to mirror some of the youthful feel of the book because that's what comes across. It is a REACTIONARY piece, not just an intellectual representation of the contents. That is what the assignment asks for. I tweaked it to read a bit better here and there but I think this is what was requested. The full assignment request said:
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