Test Scores Sink as New York Adopts Tougher Benchmarks

New York Times ^ | 08/08/2013 | JAVIER C. HERNÁNDEZ and ROBERT GEBELOFF

[wrench]

My wife works in College Admissions in Ga. Had an applicant recently that had all straight “A”s in public high school, she could not pass the achievement tests to place out of math and english for dummies (not called that, but it is what it is) .

These remedial classes are required if basic knowledge and skills can not be demonstrated on the subject matter, and these classes are not counted as college course credits toward any degree.

Grade inflation, how does it work again?

[stremba]

I’m not familiar with common core, so I can’t comment on it, but a curriculum that focuses less on memorization of facts and more on problem solving skills is EXACTLY what is needed to prepare kids for the real world. Obviously, it can be taken too far; there are some facts that need to be learned (such as your example with multiplication tables). However, what need is there in the modern work force for a person whose main skill is the ability to memorize and produce factual information upon demand? Employers already have such a tool, and it’s much cheaper than an employee; it’s called google.

We need to prepare our children for the real world. In the real world, analysis, critical thinking, and problem solving are the skills employers need in their employees. Factual memorization beyond that needed to provide a basic understanding of a subject just is not the way to go.