As regular readers know, one of my hot buttons is the continuing deterioration of educational quality in the U.S. Especially in public schools where teachers unions are primarily responsible for the decline, if not total disappearance, of worthwhile learning. And another proof of the deteriorating value appeared yesterday when, according to MyFoxOrlando, the The Florida Department of Education lowered the performance level standard on a state writing exam after only 27 percent of fourth graders passed.
The test scores range from zero to six and a decision to lower the standard from a four to a three was made in an emergency conference call Tuesday because fourth grade teachers say the test inadequately reflected their pupils' writing abilities. They claim the main reason the students did poorly was the test subject was too hard because it proposed: "Suppose you or someone else had a chance to ride a camel. Imagine what happens on this camel ride. Write a story about what happens on this camel ride."
Many teachers were upset by the test results of course, and naturally blamed the question for the poor showing, rather than their teaching capabilities or curriculum faults. They cited reasons such as camels not being indigenous (my word, not theirs) to Florida, and therefore they doubted that most fourth grade students would know what a camel was. Perhaps they'd have been happier with a flamingo, I don't really know.
However, I got my education in New York City where we were taught about most species inhabiting Earth. We also have a zoo in Central Park, so maybe I had an unfair advantage because I knew what a camel was while still quite young.. There was also a huge billboard sign in Times Square where "Joe the camel" blew smoke rings all day long promoting his cigarette brand.
But all the forgoing about NYC notwithstanding, I think camels are an excellent subject for Florida students. Because camels, whether having one hump or two, are best known for the long lengths of time they can sustain without needing water which is why they're used in arid climates such as vast deserts.
Therefore, if I'd been tasked to write an essay about camels in Florida, I'd point out the fact that due to the poor quality of education there, it's likely the state will eventually become a wasteland and as such will be just like a desert. And when that happens, since there won't be very much access to sustenance, animals that can go days without water or food will have huge value which means that those who know all about them will have a significant advantage too. And my guess is that when that happens, not one of those who prevail will have been a Florida teacher.
That's it for today folks.
Adios
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