School Issues

by Don Castellucci, Jr.

I've changed the title of this column (which formerly appeared as a section of my Town and County Government Watch column) from "Owego-Apalachin School District" to "School Issues" because it appears as though every comment is directed to that school district. While many issues are relevant, some are not at this point. I stress the phrase "at this point" because all issues I discuss will end up in every school district if these "reforms" are allowed to continue.

Pre-K, Here to Stay?

I am about to get on my soap box! First, the press has had "interesting" information over the past few days! Pre-Kindergarten programs to start across the state.

I told you this before and will state it again. They can say all they want about how volunteer this program is. It won't be for long. When your child or grandchild is told he is going to pre-school whether you like it or not, remember where you heard it. Better yet, do something about it now.

Math Regents

How about those math regents we read about and teachers complaining about their simplicity. You shouldn't be surprised. You have read it here a hundred times. "You don't have to learn math, just how to apply it."

Oh, How They Hate to Get Up in the Morning!

Now students need to sleep in. I have to admit that one caught me by surprise! I read a lot of information on education and hadn't come across that one. I just keep wondering who pays for this garbage they call research. I also wonder if this preparing them for real world experiences.

I'm going to ask my supervisor to let me sleep in because I need my sleep. I'll let you know how I make out!

SAT- isfaction

The SAT scores. While many parents get worked up over this, do not. Low scores do not necessarily mean bad schools or teachers. While Owego-Apalachin's scores were below average it doesn't mean the school is. Demographics, who took the test, the number of students, etc. all make a difference in comparing.

On the other hand, you have to understand these aren't the same tests we took 20 or more years ago. They have been dumbed down to the point where they cannot be compared to the past. Today's SATs do not have as many questions as they did 20 years ago, there are no antonym questions, students are given more time to take the test, and they can use a calculator. Sorry to say the scores haven't increased much.

Also, now it is the Scholastic "Assessment" (not "Aptitude") Test. Get the picture? Children are being assessed, not taught. The Regents are about to become an assessment of not what your child knows but if he can apply some concepts. Basic knowledge will be lost. You can believe me now or you can believe me later.

New New Math: Once More with Feeling

Look for these columns in the next two issues: The Constitutional Convention, Hillary Care Alive and Well, Deputies Salaries, and "New New Math!" If you haven't heard about this, you should have because it is in the Owego-Apalachin district. In the article we examine the question heard around the nation! (Unfortunately, I am not kidding.)

Johnny has 6 crayons and 1/3 are broken. Mary has 6 crayons, 1/2 are broken. Who is sadder?

Everything is tied to emotion in this country. While American students have been finishing well beyond their foreign students guess what they rank first in? How they feel about their math abilities.

Knowing this, I made up a math problem for Johnny when he gets older: Johnny writes a check for groceries. The bank returns it for insufficient funds but the grocery manager doesn't know yet. Who's happier?

Everyone of course! Johnny thinks he has money in the bank because his calculator told him so, the bank receives an $18 bank charge, and the grocery store thinks they got paid! What a country!!

I am going to shorten up this joke but you will get the picture.

1960: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for 100 dollars. His costs are 4/5 of the price. What is his profits?*

1990: By cutting down beautiful trees a logger makes 20 bucks. What do you think of making money? How do the forest birds and squirrels feel!?

This question is happening every day.

* His costs are $80 (4/5 of 100), making his profits $20 (100 minus 80).