Standardized Testing
de Krassel feels that standardized tests are a major problem, because in evaluating students they require cookie cutter answers and responses rather than inviting open discussion that leads to creative thinking. He also believes that reading should never be done alone, but should incorporate discussions with others who have read the same book, which can yield the full measure of understanding.
He reveals that 25% of high school students in America did not realize that the Pacific Ocean separates North America from Asia. 50% of all adults incorrectly identified Vietnam as an island.
Unhealthy Students
de Krassel takes a firm stance in believing that legislators and school officials do not realize the relationship between eating a proper meal and learning. He cites that some low-income children arrive at school hungry, or when they do eat, the meal is unhealthy. And the decline in funding for state education forced many schools to focus more on generating revenue while child nutrition sat on the back burner. Pizza Hut, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's are the corporations administrators turned to when supplying the cafeterias.
de Krassel does point out some good news, which is that most soft drinks will be banned from nearly every primary and secondary school in the U.S. by 2010. And Texas is demanding that cafeterias cut down on trans fats and are offering more fresh fruits and vegetables.
No Child Left Behind
de Krassel goes into length about this issue and says that early tests that measured the success of No Child Left Behind showed that students excelled in their test scores because the grading standard was lowered. This was done to meet federal requirements to ensure continued funding. He feels many schools were right to abandon this program because teachers and parents have objected it after realizing that students were learning less due to the lower standards.
Excerpt From The Book:
"A sad commentary of the U.S. education system was an e-mail of test questions and answers from schools in Huntsville, Alabama.
Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar.
Q: What is a Hindu?
A: It lays eggs.
Q: What is a seizure?
A: A Roman emperor."
Peter de Krassel is an author, political activist, university professor, and has been featured on CNN as an expert in world politics. Custom Maid Knowledge: for New World Disorder [CAL Books, 2007] is book two in a trilogy that deals with globalism, corrupt politicians, world currency, the education system, and the rise of China.
