High Achievers

Forgetting High Performers

Are kids getting left behind on both ends of the education spectrum? Allie Bidwell, of the U.S. News World Report, raises the question about some of the students who are being ignored despite having high test scores. Opponents of education reform are complaining that in an effort to address the “achievement gaps” those performing at advanced levels are being forgotten.

I can see most people that are struggling with getting their schools up to par, easily dismissing this as a non-issue for high achievers. Why should they feel sorry for kids that are doing well in the education system?  In terms of fair education why should we care about those who are already getting the best advantage? The fear that Education Professor Jonathan Plucker has, is that if we continue to shoot for mediocrity where will that leave America in terms of global competition.

Plucker points out that “excellence gaps” have been closing since the “No Child Left Behind” initiative. Where will this eventually leave poor and minority children if we continue to strive for “minimum competency?” Plucker see the problem of education reform being an “either/or situation” with one side being victorious. Plucker advocates addressing both issues of deficiency and achievement separately for reform. They are not the same issue; however both issues will affect the future economy when America does not have the achievers available to obtain high end jobs. I agree, that if there is no one to fill the economy driving jobs, there will be no support jobs for the service workers as well. We need to help students achieve fair and equitable education, but not by creating a larger gap at the top. As Plucker points out about the “invisible children” not enough people are outraged and it is “inexcusable for everyone”.

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/11/08/education-reform-may-leave-high-performing-students-behind?page=2