Research Article #3

Assumptions Surrounding School Reform

School reform seems to be a hot topic everywhere these days. Form homes, to classrooms, to the state capitol; everyone wants to know: what is it and what are we doing about it? In a country where there are many different ideologies about life in general, can we ever come to consensus about our education system that really benefits the students?

In the article, “School Reform in the United States: Frames and Representations” in Reading Research Quarterly, the author wrote about several people at the forefront of this issue and gave their books an in depth review. One book in particular was “The Death and Life” by Diane Ravitch and focused on her reflections on school reform and her changing ideas about No Child Left Behind. Ravitch is a former Assistant Secretary of Education and former supporter of No Child Left Behind. She soon realized that it was not working for many of our students. The article goes on to discuss how Ravitch elegantly claimed that, “No Child Left Behind was a punitive Law based on erroneous assumptions about how to improve schools.” Furthermore, Ravitch listed the assumptions that were made about school improvement which include the false assumption that high test scores equates to a great educational background.

One of the questions that arise is, “What are we trying to prove?” and, “Whom are we trying to prove it to?” Additionally, “How do we get the focus back to the students needs?” Policy makers have the right idea; we want our students to perform well, and become formidable citizens, but focusing on test scores alone can hinder our students.

Students that have to rely soley on test scores learn very early that all they need to do is make the grade. This can hinder our students because they see the end of the journey, yet they may not recall the lessons it took to get there. Helping students gain a love for learning while they reach their goals is just as important. For example, Students who are in classrooms where they are prompted to think for themselves and learn problem solving skills, will be able to recall those lessons in many aspects of life beyond the classroom. For this reason, it is imperative that teachers find a way to prepare students for the journey of learning as well as tests.

School Reform in the United States: Frames and Representations.

Shannon Patrick

Reading Research Quarterly. Vol.47. Issue 1. Pages 109-118. January-March 2012