Standardizing the Individual

I'm pretty sure that I have made it clear that I oppose standards-based reform for our schools. Students are highly variable, and there are no standards that can be created that will support that variability.


The idea behind standards-based reform is that all children are expected to get the same education. In order for the concept to work, the variable students must emerge as the same. It's not just standardizing the graduation requirements. We are trying to standardize the individual.

There is an aim-low component to standards-based reform. In order for students to consistently reach the standards, the standards must be aimed at widely attainable levels. Personal strengths can't be properly developed, and all students will fall well short of their potential.

I believe in individuality. When the schools try to cram everyone into the same mold, fundamental human rights are under attack. We should have the right to pursue our own strengths. We should have the right to be more than the schools allow. We should have the right to be different.