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> The results, they say, "reflect the record size and diversity of the pool of test-takers. As more students aim for college and take the exam, it tends to drag

> The results, they say, "reflect the record size and diversity of the pool of test-takers. As more students aim for college and take the exam, it tends to drag down average scores." > Since when has diversity and more students taking the test become a legitimate excuse for bad scores? Um... if the top 20% of students took the test in 1995, and now the top 40% of students take the test, then we've made incredibly good progress if the average score in 2011 is the same as it was in 1995. (Note: I made up the percentages, as I don't know the real numbers, but undoubtedly it's increased.) The author of the article is either an idiot or pushing an agenda. Probably the latter.

Vivtek 15y ago
Probably? The editor's note tells you straight up: William J. Bennett is the Washington fellow of the Claremont Institute. He was U.S. secretary of education from 1985 to 1988 and was director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President George H.W. Bush. His job is to push an agenda.
- Vivtek 15y ago
  Oh, the Claremont Institute are real winners, too. "The Benefits of Giving Wisely": Did you know you can support the Claremont Institute with gifts other than cash that will allow you to increase discretionary income, eliminate estate and capital gains taxes, and redirect tax dollars to the Claremont Institute? You can use your wealth to dodge taxes, give guys like Bill Bennett cushy Washington jobs, and make sure the deficit will bring the government down, all at the same time! From their About page: To recover the founding principles in our political life means recovering a limited and accountable government that respects private property, promotes stable family life, and maintains a strong national defense. So: pro-property, anti-gay, and pro-war. Those are the founding principles they most fervently like; the rest are inconsequential. Also, they have two other sites; Victory Over Terror (avot.org, which seems to be down at the DNS level) and Missile Threat. So all in all, these guys are pretty much responsible for everything that's worst in American politics right now, and it really, really pisses me off that CNN publishes this screed as written by a "CNN Contributor" instead of "paid political shill for the oligarchy", which would be a lot more honest. Grar!
- deleted 15y ago
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Hyena 15y ago
I really wish people took this possibility, which is the College Board's position, more seriously before turning to whatever their favored educational hobby-horse is.

Vivtek 15y ago

Probably? The editor's note tells you straight up: William J. Bennett is the Washington fellow of the Claremont Institute. He was U.S. secretary of education from 1985 to 1988 and was director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President George H.W. Bush. His job is to push an agenda.

Vivtek 15y ago
Oh, the Claremont Institute are real winners, too. "The Benefits of Giving Wisely": Did you know you can support the Claremont Institute with gifts other than cash that will allow you to increase discretionary income, eliminate estate and capital gains taxes, and redirect tax dollars to the Claremont Institute? You can use your wealth to dodge taxes, give guys like Bill Bennett cushy Washington jobs, and make sure the deficit will bring the government down, all at the same time! From their About page: To recover the founding principles in our political life means recovering a limited and accountable government that respects private property, promotes stable family life, and maintains a strong national defense. So: pro-property, anti-gay, and pro-war. Those are the founding principles they most fervently like; the rest are inconsequential. Also, they have two other sites; Victory Over Terror (avot.org, which seems to be down at the DNS level) and Missile Threat. So all in all, these guys are pretty much responsible for everything that's worst in American politics right now, and it really, really pisses me off that CNN publishes this screed as written by a "CNN Contributor" instead of "paid political shill for the oligarchy", which would be a lot more honest. Grar!
deleted 15y ago
[deleted]

Hyena 15y ago

I really wish people took this possibility, which is the College Board's position, more seriously before turning to whatever their favored educational hobby-horse is.