Critique of Classmate's Blog

When I read the 5th blog from Texas Blogging Gal, I was appalled that Mrs. Mahaffey had to go through such tough and terrifying ordeal. I couldn’t believe that there was nothing to be done, but “let nature take its course” just because of a law. That itself seems unjust for the Mahaffey’s special case, and brings attention to certain circumstances that the law should over look. The blog flowed smoothly and in good composition, but seemed to lack an argumentative sense. Overall, it was intriguing, informative, and a real eye opener. 

Texas on Standardized Testing

It has been disputed for years now on the effectiveness of standardized testing in Texas public schools among parents, educators, and legislators. On the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website, states the following: 

Texas started state mandated tests back in 1980, which the test has changed 5 times to increase from basic knowledge of the TABS to the current rigorous STAAR which students must pass certain subjects while in a particular grade in order to proceed to the next.

I, among those that favored that standardized testing should reduced somewhat the importance of the testing of subject mastery or to excelling to the next grade. Students that are about to start testing or are in the middle of testing undergo an enormous amount of anxiety or stress, which goes along with the rest of the coursework for the school-year. It is a relief to know that Governor Abbott share similar views, as educators and parents do. Back in the 2015 legislation, Governor Abbott was able to sign a bill, Senate Bill 149, which allows students to graduate who fail the STARR exams. Of course not without steps for approval: 

However, that only helps those who fail the exams, but does not decrease the amount of stress a student must prepare mentally during the school year in order to pass. Those who fail, may lose initiative to continue with their education and perhaps drop out and give up on themselves. Those who do not give up end up wasting their vacation, what is supposed to be a break from academia and all other stressors, in attending summer school to retake exams. The TEA website gives a good breakdown of TAKS vs STARR exam results of previous years: 

Is it purposely difficult to test the knowledge of students or to see if the educators are doing their best to make sure the student understands such knowledge? That is one dilemma, that needs further research.