1912 8th grade exam

[peppy]

We are going backwards with our education.

Bullitt County History - 1912 School Exam

http://www.bullittcountyhistory.com/bchistory/images/bcschoolexam1912sm.jpg

[masraum]

I don't know, that doesn't seem that far off from the schooling when I was in school or my kids that are almost 30. Granted, we lived in a good school district.

Also, what percentage of kids in 1912 do you think got to and through the 8th grade and what percent would have passed that test?

[widgeon13]

masraum, that's because you paid attention in school and probably had some good teachers. I don't think most eighth graders today could answer most of those questions.

Actually, I hope I'm wrong but think not. I don't think many HS kids could pass that test especially inner city public schools.

My DIL is a 3rd grade teacher and very dedicated to the profession but in NYS they have some problems. She is in special ed and those students still have to take the same tests as all others. She said most special ed kids just sign their name and leave with tears in their eyes. The teachers are instructed not to give any assistance to any student, not even supposed to speak with the student. That is just not right.

AP News: Test scores plummet for state's students

[masraum]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

masraum, that's because you paid attention in school and probably had some good teachers. I don't think most eighth graders today could answer most of those questions.

Actually, I hope I'm wrong but think not. I don't think many HS kids could pass that test especially inner city public schools.

You can't force someone to learn. If society or subculture thinks that learning is not cool and they try not to learn.... Yes, I'm sure there are lots of kids who would not pass.

My DIL is a 3rd grade teacher and very dedicated to the profession but in NYS they have some problems. She is in special ed and those students still have to take the same tests as all others. She said most special ed kids just sign their name and leave with tears in their eyes. The teachers are instructed not to give any assistance to any student, not even supposed to speak with the student. That is just not right.

Not supposed to assist or talk to the kids during a test or any time?

Yes, there are definitely issues with some of the education systems these days. The whole "no child left behind" thing is a problem. I guess it was born of good intentions and is now being used to pave the road to hell. Some people just aren't that smart, just like some folks are naturally athletic and some are naturally pretty. Unfortunately, a good education these days probably means being in a private school or living in a good school district (not to mention having parents that care and get involved).

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by masraum

Also, what percentage of kids in 1912 do you think got to and through the 8th grade and what percent would have passed that test?

It was pretty few back then. My grandparents were in school at the time. My grandmother left after 5th grade - she was sent by her parents to work as a maid/playmate in some rich family's house. (She freaked when a friend of mine from school turned out to live in that same house - she couldn't believe a black family lived there now ).

Originally Posted by masraum

You can't force someone to learn.

IMO, this is where the US public school system has gone wrong. We've turned schools into baby-sitting services rather than places of education. Can you imagine what the college campuses of the world would be like if everyone could stay for 4 years, no matter how they behaved or how bad their grades?

Kids don't have to work to stay in school (or even graduate) so what's the incentive to apply yourself? If we started putting disruptive kids out after so many occurrences, we'd see two positive effects. One - parents who claim they can't get their kids to apply themselves would suddenly figure something out, rather than pay for a sitter or be stuck with their offspring all freaking day.

Two, kids would be more prone to apply themselves because when you're young school is where you want to be - it's the center of young lives. Find out you have to stop fighting, disrespecting teachers or dealing drugs in order to stay and those behaviors stop, and if they don't it's not a problem because you're not there anymore. Win-win.

[Mark Henry]

In 1912 grade 8 I'd bet better than half, maybe as high as 3/4 of the students had already quit school.
My dad only had a grade 6 education.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by epbrown

when you're young school is where you want to be - it's the center of young lives. Find out you have to stop fighting, disrespecting teachers or dealing drugs in order to stay and those behaviors stop, and if they don't it's not a problem because you're not there anymore. Win-win.

I was with you right up until this. I think there are plenty of kids that would be completely happy to not go to school. I'm sure eventually they may regret it, but at the time....

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Mark Henry

In 1912 grade 8 I'd bet better than half, maybe as high as 3/4 of the students had already quit school.
My dad only had a grade 6 education.

That's what I was thinking too. So in 1912, the 8th grade was probably the equivalent of Jr College now.

[304065]

I thought it was easy until the question about "Kalsomining." WITHOUT using Google, who knows what Kalsomining is?

[Moses]

What does the liver secrate? (sp) A dearth of proofreaders in 1912.

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by 304065

I thought it was easy until the question about "Kalsomining." WITHOUT using Google, who knows what Kalsomining is?

Hey Huck, wanna help me do this fence? It's great fun!

[wdfifteen]

That doesn't seem so different from today's level of education at that age. My nephew could do it - in English and Spanish.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

This was in the days before teacher's unions - coincidence? Somehow I don't think so.

[flatbutt]

$1.62 for a cord of wood? wow.