The Daily Disappointment or Daily Oklahoman whichever you choose released its take on the study of Oklahoma's A-F report cards. No real big surprise on there stance. Ever since one of the editors spouses got the chief of staff job, the Oklahoman has ripped any and all dissenters of Ms. Barresi and took up her points. Not ever pinning one article contradictory to her side or stances. Which is amazing to say the least and does lend to the credibility of the paper in my eyes. I am all for having a stance and standing by it to think you agree with someone all or time or approve of all their actions is insidious.
The Daily Disappointment tried its best this week to make the independent study by a group of experts to look partial. The paper tried to make it look like CCOSA and OSSBA, the organizations that represent administrators and school board members, did the study. They did this to try to make it not credible. The truth of the matter is these fine groups only asked for the report, it was done and researched by a group of experts. It was then given to Robert Linn, who works at the University of Colorado, not really an Oklahoman homer if you ask me. He wrote a not so nice comment section on Appendix A. In fact he said the state would be well advised to scrap the A to F report cards.
The report card, just as the administrators and parent groups said, contains numerous flaws. It goes against state law and federal mandates. It has sections that have no basis on validity or reliability which is the cornerstone of any measurement. It relies on to many things that are not under the control of schools, also mentioned by Mr. Linn and the research group.
The bottom line is the A-F report cards is a tool to try to prove reform is needed. We saw that in the decision on the growth model, also slammed by the research group. That wouldn't be so bad but the reforms this regime wants are corporate reforms. More high stakes testing so companies like Pearson can sell tests, practice tests, and workbooks. It is killing the education of today and the future of tomorrow. You don't get a better society by focusing all attention on two areas. You get a better society by teaching a well rounded education at the younger ages and then having the diverse fields to educate whatever pathway the students may choose. In those pathways you develop critical thinking and creativity. And it doesn't matter what the Daily Disappointment says!!
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