The problem is that successful marks, grades, and test scores do not correlate with any of the virtues that we set for the young. So we can measure fairly accurately whether a youngster is able to manipulate numbers, whether a youngster is able to read and write. But when it comes to civility, developing a test to be used in large quantities is a challenge. Analyze Goodlad's comments in this area. At the opposite pole are those who view ability grouping as a necessary and desirable means to actualize the potential of not only exceptionally talented and gifted individuals, but also of students who have special educational needs and would otherwise be neglected.
National standards obscure more than they reveal.
If educators ignore how opportunities to learn influence student performance, these students are likely to be blamed for their academic failure and doomed to second-class citizenship. It is in the area of opportunity to learn, with respect to our multicultural society, that we are short-changing thousands of students and missing the target as to what is ultimately important in their education. Just because a book is 'multicultural' doesn't mean it is free of bias. The term zero tolerance refers to policies that punish all offenses severely, no matter how minor.