It is not only the foundations that Ms. Ravitch blames for the current crisis: government has also failed in the attempt to reform the schools from above, lacking a clear perspective of how schools work on a day-to-day basis. Thus, the major federal initiative, No Child Left Behind, well intentioned as it may have been, ended up damaging the quality of education, not improving it.
While the federal government declares schools as “failing” and prescribes sanctions for schools not meeting its goal of “annual yearly progress,” it is the states that are allowed to write and administer the tests. This has led to a culture of ever easier tests and more test preparation rather than real instruction. More ominously, it led to such scandals as the New York State Education Department lowering the “cut scores” that define the line between passing and failing.
Ms. Ravitch suggests that the proper roles of the states and federal government have been reversed under NCLB. Maybe the standards for achievement should be set in Washington, which, after all, administers the National Assessment of Educational Progress , and the solutions found at the local level, using the accurate data provided by Washington. Instead of moving in a different direction from the failed NCLB model of the Bush Administration, the Obama administration has adopted and expanded on them.
Muslim Academy on 04 Jan 13It is a fact that the media is playing a significant role in every society and culture. Now, the settlement of public agendas has become difficult without the contribution of media. Media bombard us with the latest and fresh information all the day. In the past, only print media were available, but now it has converted into electronic media due to the advancement of technology. Media is working freely only in certain countries and states like Pakistan. Now hundreds of channels are working to amuse the people like entertainment and sports channels. Although, some forces don't like free media in Pakistan like the Taliban and some politicians. They always threaten the media persons. It is reported that three media persons have been killed in Pakistan in the last few months. Similarly, 30 journalists injured by terrorists. In total, 48 media attacks have been reported in the last few months. Journalists are not safe and secure in the Pakistan region. In 2011, more than 25 journalists were kidnapped by terrorists. Journalists receive threats and harassment on a daily basis in Pakistan.
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