CMJ 236 Assignment 8-2

Nick Acheson
March 19, 2010

In the previous post, the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE) Board Examination Proposal was discussed. This is a proposal that would allow high school 10th graders to “test out” of high school if tests are passed at the end of their sophomore year. Maine is one of eight states in the country that have joined with NCEE and at the moment these exams are currently intended to take effect in the 2011-2012 school year.

I interviewed a current teacher at Brunswick junior high school to see what her thoughts were about these newly proposed examinations. She first admitted that she had not received or read much information on the topic, due to the fact that it is a relatively new proposal, but admitted she had mixed feelings. On one hand she explain, “why hold the bright kids back if they know the material.” She was then quick to say that school is not only about just passing a test, “Education is more than just an accumulation of skills; it should also be about learning for the sake of learning.”

This teacher also brought up that it might be better than the current system if over time a test like this was used in every state. She explained that currently the “No student left behind act” allows each state to make separate standards and a separate test, so there are students from around the country being tested over different material which makes it hard to compare the results from state to state.

I was also able to talk to Rob Walker, Deputy Executive Director of the Maine Education Association (MEA) in Augusta, ME. Mr. Walker explained that although the MEA has no official position on the subject, they have raised some concerns. “I’m not convinced that this proposal answers all the concerns associated with education.” He also went on to say, “The high school experience is not just about getting enough credits, other opportunities should be explored.”

So while some feel like this would be a good idea, it is safe to say there are number of concerns with the NCEE Board examination proposal. Although more information is still needed it is safe to say we will be hearing about this proposal many times in the near future.