Posted by special_k on March 23, 2006, at 14:03:29
In reply to Re: Subject close to my heart » special_k, posted by Dinah on March 23, 2006, at 13:41:27
> Perhaps because I don't think they're that flawed?
Okay. I guess most people would agree with you. Because those kinds of tests are very popular. And because most people do take them very seriously. And because people make good money designing tests and administering tests and interpreting the results.
> Nobody knew my IQ score, but they still expected high academic performance from me, because that was my history.
I think you are plenty smart. And I guess I think a test would be... Irrelevant. Basically. Because things you scored low on could most probably be remidied if you could be bothered investing the time to get better on those kinds of tasks... I guess my point is... Why bother?
Please don't think I'm trying to say that your son isn't smart...
My point is more that... Please don't think other people are less smart...
(Because I think that is the flip side. Around half come up... Below average)
> There is a difference between slightly above average and well above average.There is a difference in test score. I grant you that. But I don't think it is a difference that could be sustained through someone slightly above average being very determined to improve their score and investing the time / energy into studying those kinds of tasks...
> To deny gifted children gifted programs is no better than denying children with developmental delays education appropriate to them.
But another consequence...
Is that it tends to be to deny slightly below or average or slightly above scoring people... The investment that could make the biggest difference to their scores (if scores are what is important). And then... The gifted program... Tends to draw the most interesting and innovative teachers. Teachers who have a lot of faith in the ability of their kids etc. So it gives those people... A better quality of education. I think that is terrific. But there are limited resources (in the public sector especially) and when it comes to where those resources are best spent (re the biggest practical difference...)
I guess it is just that you have seen the good...
And I guess it is just that I have seen the harm...
poster:special_k
thread:622738
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060322/msgs/623718.html