Standarized tests

Standardized tests have many flaws and need to be adjusted.  Although they are probably the most cost effective way to assess a school's success, they fail to accomplish that goal.  I think one of the keys changes is to eliminate these tests in elementary schools and maybe middle schools.  I think if the students don't fully understand what the tests mean, they won't fully engage in them.  Many younger students think "Why should I try hard on this, this doesn't affect my grade?"  I think only high school aged students can understand the true meaning of the greater good. Elementary and middle school need to be given alternative ways to assess the students and the schools.  Possibly a more comprehensive assessment involving observing the students and teachers may be a more accurate judgement of how the students are progressing and how the school is performing.

I found the chapter about the asian immigrants being model students very interesting.  While it is most likely not just because these kids are of asian descent, one does wonder why other minority students are not adjusting as well.  Is there something genetically similar between asian-american students that helps them succeed in this culture or maybe the culture they or their descendents came from was more similar to this culture than the cultures that black and latino came from?  This would certainly make the transition easier.  The other thing I thought was interesting was the debate over the similarities between the different asian cultures these kids came from.  Are all asian-americans grouped together because, at least on the critical aspects, similar enough to ignore the miniscule differences or are we all just lazy?  I think it is a third reason.  They are overlooked and grouped because we are still learning about the ins and outs of many asian cultures and don't fully understand those miniscule differences, if they are miniscule at all.  Also, they are still a small proportion of the american population and politics often try to please as many as possible, so focus and research is often directed towards other groups.