To answer the question “Why are we so fixated in standardized education?” will develop a rationalization for the other two questions. And then it all depends as to what degree you define standardized. Is standardization a framework where the potentiality can and will differentiate with variations of what is genius and what is standard depending on the circumstances?
Can we standardize the individual who populates our society? No, but we can standardized the rules which govern our society to insure civility. Or do we?
The “Big O” or large organization is so connected to the macro-political systems that one small failure due to innovation, invention, and the change wheel will cause the whole of society to take notice, to judge, and to vote out the old and bring in the new. We see this all the time in large districts that spend millions of dollars over decades buying new reading programs, investing in companies and individuals who will “change” the outcomes. The problem is that putting in place one program in large districts where the variation of socio economics within the community range from below poverty level to billionaire status hasn’t worked. Educators are becoming more and more frustrated because the “New Programs” the “big O” puts in place for one year, is now being shelved because the Data isn’t proving it is worth the expense so another innovative company led by a master of the trade is paid mega dollars to bring in their trusted tricks to help the “big O” improve in the standards the “BIGGEST O” has deemed the way to win the race!
In addition we add redistricting, busing, Charter schools, magnate schools, School of Choice all to standardize education. Wait-Read that last statement! Is there anything standard about a public school compared to the magnate school, the choice school, or the Charter school? Are we saying the Charter School, the Magnate and Choice schools are all Public schools? In our district, the Public school is where the students are sent back to once the student does not meet the schools contract standards at the Magnate and the School of Choice schools. What is the Standard in our large school districts? http://aer.sagepub.com/content/40/2/395.short
We are fixated in standardizing education because it is the Hot Topic and the Money Maker. In 1989 the hot topic was called by the name Reform, I learned then that failing students does nothing for the student, the school, or the classes. In Florida when we threw out the SAT 9 and put in place the FCAT – many students failed third grade, some students had already been held back in Kindergarten; one reason is parent choice to discern readiness (held back two years) and some are held back because they have attendance issues, come in from other countries without necessary documentation, have a disability, or are not on grade level. Three years behind! There is a big difference between a sixth grader who is eleven years old and a sixth grader who is fourteen. There is a big difference between a fourteen year old eighth grader and a seventeen year old eighth grader. Is this standardized education? Now you think I have gone off the path right? Wrong – how can we standardize education when our clients are not standardized, are communities vary, and our cultures vary?
Is it possible that small schools and districts have a greater innovation potential? Yes, because smaller schools can build on community, student and parent relationships and be innovative without fear of failure.They are able to be truly transparent and professionals at the same time because they believe that all students can be educated.
“High performing districts are people centered where trust and respect exist.” (Cimino, 2000)
