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Re: San D excerpts & the Gov
Posted:
May 5, 1996 10:29 AM
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I would like to clarify one misimpression that Daniel drew from Kreg's post:
the South Carolina law is not addressing mathematics curriculum. The
legislature is addressing accountability and not curriculum. Kreg's post was
very accurate: the proposed law indicated that principals and teachers
could be removed from their positions if students failed to meet standards
on state mandated tests. The content of the tests was not written into
the law.
The SC Board of Education adopted the state Mathematics Framework that is
consonant with the NCTM Standards. Currently, the SC assessment system is
not aligned with the state Framework and this schizophrenic condition is a
source of concern (what Kreg heard at the session). The state is moving to
revise the assessment system but the going is slow and contentious. At one
hearing, a senator stated that he did not want mathematics educators involved
in setting math standards so, Daniel, your concerns are valid.
It is my hope that South Carolina's assessment system will accurately report
on our state's progress toward meeting the academic achievement standards
derived from the state Framework. I think firing teachers and principals for
their students' failures is a simplistic and misguided approach. Most here
agree because the proposed law died quickly. I think accountability is
important and am certain that a law will be passed dealing with student
achievement. The key will be the validity of what we are measuring.
South Carolina's Governor, David Beasley, can be reached at
Governor@state.sc.us I doubt if he reads his own mail.
I'm Ed.Dickey@sc.edu
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