There was a recent article that talks about standards, and how a teacher was asked to re-score an exam to help a student pass:
“Richard Petkovsek, a social studies teacher there from 2001 to 2010, said in an interview that he faced growing pressure to pass students and was disgusted when a colleague asked him to review a student’s year-old history exam in hopes of turning a failing 49 into a passing 55.”
“He did not do it, he said, but the student graduated; a second teacher confirmed his story. “I was pretty upset by that,” Mr. Petkovsek said.”
I can remember being thought of as “by the book” when I used to teach. My kids knew that I wouldn’t change a test score, although I was happy to review a graded paper, if they thought that I had made an error in judgment. It’s clear that Mr. Petkovsek agrees with maintaining standards.
But outside of education, how many of us have the integrity to keep pushing (ourselves and those around us) for quality tens of time over the course of the day? That’s what good teachers do for their students.
When I read these stories, I think about my life, today. I realize that the intense pressure going on in these schools is unimaginable to most outsiders. Sure, I have ambiguity in my work – one day my projects are humming; the next day there is a budget crisis and I lose 90% of my business. It’s stressful—I often work until 2am. But it’s a different experience, and it’s calmer than the regimented, everyday 7:30am-5:30pm, plus grading and lesson planning at nights and on the weekends, plus responsibility for unruly children, tight finances, accountability to principals, parents, the community…
I believe in high standards. I think that educators can do a better job. But I’ve also worked in enough places (Government, For-Profit, Schools, Non-Profit, Start-ups) to know that educators aren’t far behind the rest of us professionals in terms of performing under duress.
So, thanks to Mr. Petkovsek and his peers who don’t lower their standards, and let’s all remember that we must also legitimately pass the test.
