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TechnographWhy can't high schoolers write?
By Staff Editorial, The Michigan Daily (University of Michigan)
Posted: 4/9/08 Section: Opinion Columns
What if only 25 percent of high school students were proficient in basic algebra? Or if only 25 percent of students could explain a basic scientific process like photosynthesis?
Twenty-five percent, in terms of education, is a pretty low percentage. But, according to a test administered by the National Assessment of Education Progress, that's the percentage of high school seniors who are able to write proficiently.
Whether that's the result of poor testing or inadequate schooling, it is not a number that can be ignored. If we hope to have an educated country, we need schools that give students the basic skills to succeed, something often lost in the debate.
Administered to eighth-graders and high school seniors, the nationwide writing test was overseen by NAEP and consisted of two 25-minute essays. The results, released last Thursday, found that only 25 percent of high school seniors write at a "proficient" level. Eighth-graders fared slightly better: Thirty-three percent of them were able to write proficiently.
NAEP officials were quoted as being encouraged by the results of the test. They said they were happy that the results were comparable to those from a similar test in 2002 and hadn't declined in the past six years. At least students aren't getting worse, right? Wrong. The fact that only 25 percent of high school seniors are able to write proficiently should be unacceptable. It is a disgustingly low percentage. More importantly, it's a problem that stays with students beyond high school, moving into college and the workplace.
Granted, the NAEP test plays into the dangers of standardized testing. In a school system under the No Child Left Behind Act, a school reform instituted in 2001 under the Bush administration, the standardized test reigns supreme. Yet, the results of standardized testing can often be manipulated to seem encouraging when they are not, allowing some failing school systems to hide behind misleading scores.
Twenty-five percent, in terms of education, is a pretty low percentage. But, according to a test administered by the National Assessment of Education Progress, that's the percentage of high school seniors who are able to write proficiently.
Whether that's the result of poor testing or inadequate schooling, it is not a number that can be ignored. If we hope to have an educated country, we need schools that give students the basic skills to succeed, something often lost in the debate.
Administered to eighth-graders and high school seniors, the nationwide writing test was overseen by NAEP and consisted of two 25-minute essays. The results, released last Thursday, found that only 25 percent of high school seniors write at a "proficient" level. Eighth-graders fared slightly better: Thirty-three percent of them were able to write proficiently.
NAEP officials were quoted as being encouraged by the results of the test. They said they were happy that the results were comparable to those from a similar test in 2002 and hadn't declined in the past six years. At least students aren't getting worse, right? Wrong. The fact that only 25 percent of high school seniors are able to write proficiently should be unacceptable. It is a disgustingly low percentage. More importantly, it's a problem that stays with students beyond high school, moving into college and the workplace.
Granted, the NAEP test plays into the dangers of standardized testing. In a school system under the No Child Left Behind Act, a school reform instituted in 2001 under the Bush administration, the standardized test reigns supreme. Yet, the results of standardized testing can often be manipulated to seem encouraging when they are not, allowing some failing school systems to hide behind misleading scores.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Don H.
posted 4/09/08 @ 9:06 AM CST
Don't eeeeeven get me started on this one!
But you did!
As a teacher in Champaign schools the lack of writing ability is very obvious. However, it is not with your average student that will be going ot college or the typical staight A student. (Continued…)
Don H.
posted 4/09/08 @ 10:06 AM CST
Well, what's really sad is that most of the general population isn't "proficient" in their writing skills. Honestly, if you're not an English major or a skilled writer, you will probably never be "proficent" according to some of those set standards. (Continued…)
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