CNN Video Clips Discusses Low Student Scores on Citizenship Test

Check out this video clip from CNN which discusses the results of a survey given to Oklahoma high school students. The questions are from the citizenship test. The results are surprising and the "expert" interviewed by CNN blames teachers and public education. He states twice that our students are getting "smoked by Iceland and other industrialized countries around the world in test scores".

Just a couple personal observations here from me :

Once again, as is the case in many of these "sound bite" stories, there is no discussion about a solution. Please don't just gripe, offer a solution.

The survey was a phone survey that these students were not aware they would be taking. A little different than an actual school situation or taking a citizenship test.

Once again education is bashed because it takes makes up a large portion of the budget. I would hope that education makes up a large percentage of any local or state government - don't you?

What do you think after watching this clip? Please leave a comment on this blog post.

Podcast #119 - September 2007 Bits and Bytes -I-Pod Cases, Cam Studio, What I'm Reading, etc.

Hello. Today's podcast consists of my random collection of thoughts on history, education and technology. These are all things I've been thinking about but they don't have enough information to create an entire podcast on the subject. We did a Bits and Bytes in July but did not have one for August. Topics tonight include: i-Pod case, The War by PBS, Constitution Day 2007 Video, ear phones for MP3 players to check out to students, Cam Studio, Edutopia article "Northern Lights", CNN Student News Blog and books I just finished and what I'm reading now. Please listen to the podcast and then use the links in the show notes below to learn more.

Direct link to Podcast #119 - September 2007 Bits and Bytes - I-pod Cases, Cam Studio, What I'm Reading, etc. - MP3 Format - 20:30 Minutes

Podcast #119 Show Notes:

- i-Pod Speaker/Case for outdoor use

- The War - WWII Documentary from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on PBS - September 23, 2007

- CamStudio - free screen casting application

- Edutopia Article on Chugach School District - No Timeline For Learning

- CNN Student News Blog

- George Washington, Spymaster by Thomas B Allen

- Land of Lincoln - Adventures in Abe's America by Andrew Ferguson