We used the computers in the library to prognisticate student achievement by their previous performances on the FCAT (Florida's test for basick literacy). Scatter plots, bar graphs, individual analysis- I spent a good hour taking it all in.
The test seems to correlate nicely with student performance. I believe I could've guessed their scores but there were a few surprises. That doesn't, however, mean I agree with the ideology behind the test.
I don't want to make the test the reason for us to go to school.
I can't make this blog a radical dissection of our country's political future. I can't write about deconstructionist analysis or pontificate about the proper level of debt our nation should carry. To be honest, most bloggers haven't the slightest clue.
I'll write about the people I teach and the people I teach with. I'll discuss how the world influences my students and how my students influence the world. I'll link articles we read in class: 3 billion dollar hotel.
"But, why do all these countries with all this oil end up with so many poor people?"
Thomas Friedman would be proud of that sort of line of questioning.
We also read Terry Schiavo.
"But why do religious people claim to allow her to live out her life when she is kept alive by machines?"
The irony isn't lost on them.
Ah, sixth period you keep me teaching. Let's see you measure inquisitiveness with the FCAT. Oh, you can? Oh. Nevermind. Maybe bloggers from Florida should have their FCAT score plainly visible to ensure readers know what they are getting into.
Maybe the FCAT test is just an IQ test in disguise.
Maybe the fact that the links I put up here will expire makes me sad. Maybe I don't want to always focus on the ephemeral.
But what really lasts?
Look what made the news earlier on CNN.COM!
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