Straight Talk from Al Jacobs

 

EDUCATION AT A STANDSTILL

 

The 2018 report on California’s educational rankings has just been released. Following the headline declaring: “California’s test scores nearly stagnant,” the byline states: “Disparities between disadvantaged students and their peers could persist for decades.” It appears this concern by the Department of Education over achievement gap between the various ethnic and economic groups of students takes precedence over their actual academic performance.

 

In case you’d care to know how California’s students are actually performing at their studies, the report spells it out. The state’s student population meeting satisfactory English language standards is just under 50 percent. As for math, some 39 percent managed to make the grade. This is disconcerting, perhaps, but what appears to particularly dismay the educational establishment is when they view the performance records of select groups. The proportion of Hispanic students meeting minimum performance level in English is 39 percent; for math it’s 26.6. Even more disillusioning is Afro-American achievement, with English at 32 percent and mathematics a dismal 19.7.

 

I’ll summarize on a positive note. Education in the United States is not as grim as reported. The focus on inequality distorts the picture. By definition, a school is failing if it’s in the bottom 5% of schools across the state based on combined English language arts and math scores. By mathematical necessity, five percent of the schools in every state must be designated as failing, and this is so regardless of the quality of teaching, the condition of the campus or a positive attitude of the students. If a school falls into this category because a large portion of the student body is not proficient in English, or perhaps not inherently scholastic by nature, or that many must work to help support their family, it will remain a failing school. But despite the stigma assigned to a failing school, there’s no reason why highly-motivated pupils cannot do well in such a setting. Provided no actual hostility to education exists, a reasonably bright and attentive student can master the required subjects and maintain a high academic standing in class. The fact a school is designated as failing need not rub off on those who attend.

 

A final though: If the media would concentrate on the ninety-five percent of schools which are not failing, we’d discover there are many fine institutions, a huge pool of dedicated instructors and a nation brimming with educated youngsters.

 

 

Al Jacobs, a professional investor for nearly a half-

century, issues weekly financial articles in which he

shares his financial knowledge and experience.

You may view them on http://www.roadwaytoprosperity.com