Why do people keep wondering why “the kids today” can do less than the kids of 30 years ago?

No, they are not locked out of bathrooms or denied lunch. If a school did such a horrible thing, we would rightfully tear down its walls. This one is a sneaker – we think the school is doing a good job, but it’s really putting up a veneer of competence.

How much more transparent can it get?

U of C study says ISATs set 8th-grade math bar too low 

http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1251850,school-report-cards-univerity-chicago-103108.article

The study is great, by the way: 

http://ccsr.uchicago.edu/content/publications.php?pub_id=126

It’s written well and easy to understand. Basically the point is that middle-school ISAT is a “low-skill” test where it’s easy to drill for it. High school classes and ACT are “high-skill” tests that you cannot drill for. The student must study well in class and at home to gain complex learning and thinking skills.

Surprisingly enough, the Chicago Public School system is going all out on drilling. Maybe it is not surprising at all. The scores are flat.

I’m grateful to live in a great suburban school district. The ISAT scores “exceed expectations” by far. What does it really mean? How important are those scores anyway?