Standards-based Education: Does It Really Work

Standards Based Education in theory seems pretty simple and logical. Similar to Tyler’s ends means rational, standards based education is a matter of clearly stating what educators want the learner to be able to accomplish (the end), and teaching them how to accomplish it (Educational Encyclopedia). Clearly the logical next step would be to asses whether the student has learned, what was intended using a standard method. However in theory things seems to be a lot logical and simple then they are in practice. As logical and well spirited as standards based education may seem, there are many concerns and issues that arise, creating an ongoing argument about whether standards based education improves learning. The argument is not that educators should not be held responsible for student learning, but rather by what means. Is standardized assessment the way to go? Many argue that it is, and others argue the contrary.

Individuals who believe that standards based education does improve learning argue that nothing is perfect but even with its flaws of standardized testing, the regular testing of students’ achievement will focus educators to spend more time on creating curriculum that would help student achieve. Taking the behaviorist approach, promoters of standardized education believe that if students and educators are penalized or rewarded for the achievements, then higher standards will be met. The philosophy and the sprit of those who promote standards based education have their hearts in the right place, and believe that every child can learn regardless of t heir background, and ability and those children should receive equal opportunity to do so. Who can argue with that! So policymakers attempt to accomplish this lofty goal through policies such as the No Child Left Behind Act, Requiring that all schools must demonstrate that 100 percent of their students test at proficient levels on statewide assessments by 2013-2014 (Goodwin, B. 2003).

The achievement of this lofty goal means that all students across the nation; whether it be a child with a disability who takes longer to learn material then another child, or a child coming from an urban area who worries about getting shot on his way to school rather then how to spell the word “S.A.F.E.T.Y”, or one from an affluent area who’s parents hired a private tutor, should meet the goals. Regardless of who the child is, where he/she comes from will all be expected to achieve equally, and their educators will be expected to control any mediating factors that would cause them to achieve other wise. Lofty goal indeed!