DEAR EDITOR:
It amazes me when an intelligent person allows their ego to
supplant their intellect.
DEAR EDITOR:
It amazes me when an intelligent person allows their ego to supplant their intellect. Cynthia Walker’s latest temper tantrum and fishing expedition should be dismissed for the ignorant screed it is; however, since there may be those who believe Ms. Walker knows of what she writes, I shall disabuse her of as many specifics as 500 words allows.
Regarding SAT data, The College Board shall speak for me. If one goes to www.collegeboard.com/about/news_info/cbsenior/yr2002/html/related.html, one will find the following quote: “[SAT aggregate scores] should not rank or rate teachers, educational institutions, districts, or states solely on aggregate scores derived from tests that are intended primarily as a measure of individual students.”
Further down the same site, “Media and others often rank states, districts, and schools on the basis of SAT scores despite repeated warnings that such rankings are invalid. The SAT is a strong indicator of trends in the college-bound population, but it should never be used alone for such comparisons because demographics and other non-school factors can have a strong effect on scores. If ranked, schools and states that encourage students to apply to college may be penalized because scores tend to decline with a rise in percentage of test takers.”
As someone who knows a thing or two about statistics, I assert AP exam scores are not statistically significant for similar reasons and others. If required to demonstrate this principle, I can; however, most individuals will quickly make the connections.
If Ms. Walker cares to dispute the proper SAT statistical analysis with The College Board, she is free to do so.
Ms. Walker wrote, “[Mr. Scott] reserves the right to explain away bad scores, and not trouble to fix the problem.”
In Wednesday’s Dispatch article, “Brightest students left behind?,” there was criticism about individual student’s test scores dropping. This criticism was specific, accurate and fair. I will not attempt to discredit the accurate use of data. I elect to target the blatant misuse of data lest false, inaccurate or misleading analysis be allowed to misdirect the focus of reform.
As for fixing the problem, I choose to direct my energies through proper channels.
One item appropriate for public discourse is my analysis of the teacher turnover rate. Next year will be my fourth year at Gilroy High. I will have as much or more seniority than all but five of 15 mathematics teachers.
It is extremely difficult to maintain, never mind improve, mathematics education when two thirds of the staff is turned over in three years. If this turnover rate is not abated with quality math teachers, I fear that the situation will get worse. Gilroy will face difficult decisions in fixing this problem.
My 500 words are almost up. I can debunk the rest of Ms. Walker’s childish diatribe if she wishes to obstinately pursue it.
Frankly Ms. Walker, it is time for you to take your foot out of your mouth, apologize, and move on.
Wayne Scott, GHS math teacher
Submitted Saturday, May 22 to ed****@ga****.com
