Misconception #33: All graduates need to prove that they meet graduation requirements

Over the years, I have been writing about misconceptions regarding the schooling process. The purpose of these posts is to explain why I disagree with various comments that I have heard people make about schooling. These are meant as personal thoughts rather than conclusive proof, and I will admit that I'm not always the best at explaining my thoughts. Regardless, I have decided that I should be willing to share these posts when I encounter someone online who makes an argument that I have already discussed.

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I know that I wrote about this concept not too long ago, but I'm going to do it again. Standards-based reform does not work. By requiring a set level for a variety of subjects, we are requiring everyone to be the same. In reality, the ideal education for individuals is highly variable.

By ensuring that all students meet the same requirements, you have to aim low. Everything must be attainable, and anything beyond that point is meaningless. This means that all students strive to learn the same limited skill set, and their expectations are consistently below their potential.

Specific requirements are set for a very broad variety of individuals. We have people influential within the schools setting requirements for students they will never know. Teachers who generally know their students for less than a year base their lesson plans off of the requirements.

It might sound good to say that everyone needs to achieve a certain level of proficiency in such things as math and reading, but requirements inhibit the ability for students to pursue their strengths and interests. It guarantees that the educational needs of the individual will not be met. Nobody will reach their potential in that environment.