\doc\web\2000\12\ealr.txt 12/13/00
Marda Kirkwood slams the EALRs:


It has been a long time since I read the EALR's, but here are my
impressions.


1. There is no benchmark requiring reading to a certain grade level.  One
would think that is the one thing in reading benchmarks that should
indespensible.
2. Too many EALR's are couched in terms of 'understanding' and
'appreciating', particularly in areas with strong values components. 
There is much disagreement in our culture on many of these issues, yet
the EALR's promote a single perspective.
3. The science ones are front loaded with benchmarks that sound OK. 
About halfway through, they begin to degenerate into politically slanted
advocacy of eco-politics and evolution, with NO acknowledgement of the
controversy in the scientific community concerning these issues.
4. If taken seriously as a minimum standard of performance ("what ALL
children shall know and be able to do") they are ridiculously advanced,
i.e. Should we require ALL children to write well enough to win the
Pulitzer, be good enough at science to win a Nobel, AND be good enough at
dance, music, and art to win accolades in those areas as well?  If we
don't take them seriously, what is the point of having them?


When are we going to inject a little common sense into education?


Marda


On Sun, 10 Dec 2000 22:35:59 EST Josephcoomer@aol.com writes:
>Hi,
>    I had a call from some guy today about my letter-to-the-editor 
>published 
>Saturday in the Seattle Times. He was bragging about the ELRs . 
>Obviously, he 
>was an OBE supporter but he did not like the WASL. 
>    I am of the opinion that the ELRs that they soung great but there 
>is a 
>disconnect between the facts and what they preach. What is your 
>opinion?

>Joe Coomer
>
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