In Education, Accountability Gets Results

by Mary Kane

Congratulations Maryland and Dr. Nancy Grasmick! (Md. Scores In Reading, Math Show Big Strides | How did Baltimore's test scores get so high?)

Dr. Nancy Grasmick, the first female superintendent of schools in Maryland and one of the longest serving superintendents in the United States, recognized the need for accountability in our school systems well before the federal law "No Child Left Behind" was passed.  When this law was enacted, she used it as a framework to implement her goal that an excellent public school education should be available to all children.  Since 2003, state reading and math scores have increased throughout Maryland regardless of race, region, language or economic status. 

Test scores are on their way up across the nation due to the implementation of "No Child Left Behind."  Is the law perfect?  Absolutely not, but at least now we have data to give us a basis from which to evaluate each system’s shortcomings.  By emphasizing reading and math and then testing a students’ progress as they matriculate through the school system gives school administrators and teachers the data necessary to identify a child’s needs and capabilities.

Presently, reauthorization of "No Child Left Behind" legislation is languishing in Congress due to partisan, political games.  Maybe our legislators should take a look at Dr. Grasmick’s tenure.  She has managed to move forward despite changes in administrations, four to be exact – three Democratic governors and one Republican governor.  Why?  Because she has never taken her eye off the ball – the children who attend school in Maryland.

Comments

[RegularRon]

This maybe good news, but it still doesn't make me believe that the Federal Government needs to be involved with local schools. I remember (I don't have ADD, like most So-Called Conservatives) that President Reagan tried to get rid of the Department of Education. As well as, it was apart of the Republican Platform, untill 2000 when El Presidente Bush was elected.

Being a Free Market guy, local schools would all be privitized. (I know, so libertairn utopian of me) As well as, I would have some of these schools, mainly teaching specialty courses. Say a 10 year old, whos Math scores are off the charts, he's going to go to a school that specializes in Math, and the study of it. You get the point.

But, the bureaucratic socialists planners, and it's enablers (I'm lookin at you) would never allow this to happen. You can bring these "great test scores" to our attention, but it will never sway me to believe that "Just a little more Government planning, and yes Money" will make education work.

And for Baltimore Citys test scores being so high? Isn't Baltimores Mayor in a bit of a scandel? And, I wouldn't put it past Gov. O'Malley to rig these scores, Just to get more Federal Dollars.