Ethics 101 vs Life 101

[eyeontheprize]

My child's math teacher is incompetent, with predictable results.

Today my child explained the rules for the state required-bullshit-proficiency test, including calculator use. The students are not permitted to use certain calculator functions during the test, but other functions are allowed. His pathetic teacher told the class that the disallowed functions are ok (wink).

If it my life there would be no doubt about it, but I've gained nothing through these quixotic battles. If I report this abuse my kid will suffer while the curve will still favored by those who enjoy teacher tutored cheating.

This walk the talk problem is increasing with the modern standards. Shit, my kid deserves the same chance as the others, but ethical standards are for the weak of heart now.


Added: I pretended not to understand the problem when the child explained it to me, mostly to stall.

[Boojatta]

1. In the future will all calculators have only the allowed functions?

The students are not permitted to use certain calculator functions during the test, but other functions are allowed.

Please don't tell me that the teacher was permitting the use of improper fractions. The sexuality on television is bad enough.
;-)

[eyeontheprize]

2. The teacher let the students know

it was fine to ignore the rules for calculator functions during the standardized tests. My kid has only used them as allowed them, in fact we didn't by one until last week.

[Boojatta]

3. Are students being prepared for the future when calculators will not

have those functions?

If the test is designed on the assumption that certain functions are not available, then perhaps the test needs to be redesigned?

Why not design test problems with simple numbers so that the number crunching is not the difficult part?

[Buck Laser]

4. And it's so easy to fall off. nt

[nonconformist]

5. I think it's a good opening to have a meaningful conversation

about ethics with your child, if nothing else.

I wonder how widespread this type of thing is. I would hope that this is an isolated incident, but teachers are under enormous pressure to conform to the requirements of the NCLB act.

[porphyrian]

6. So, the kids who can afford scientific calculators will do better...

...than poor (often minority) kids taking the same test. No Child Left Behind my fucking ass.

[Boojatta]

7. A scientific calculator in a "dollar store" costs about $3. e.o.m.

[eyeontheprize]

9. No, they're expensive

around $75. or so.

[Nickster]

10. You got that right. I hate the darn things, way too expensive. n/t

[KyuzoGator]

12. I bought a full-function Casio scientific calculator for $8 recently.

I believe you're referring to calculators with graphing capability, which even through my electrical engineering coursework I never needed.

The calculator I bought does trig functions, scientific notation, basic statistics, fractions and more. It is far more functional than any K-12 student would ever need. $7.99.

[Boojatta]

15. Maybe somebody should start a store that sells used calculators.

If you have a calculator that you are willing to consider selling, then you might have less sentimental attachment to the calculator than you would have to a book. There are used bookstores and I think we both agree that "New books are expensive. A new book costs about $75" would be an absurd thing to say.

[Boojatta]

8. Strict compliance with rules is good, provided that the rules complied

with are actually good rules. What do you think?

[eyeontheprize]

11. I think no calculators should be allowed in

the test. I think I should turn the teacher in for this, it must be why my kid told me, to level the playing field. I think I don't want my child punished for honesty, which is what will happen if we do the right thing. It is hard.

[KyuzoGator]

13. Most standardized tests have an approved calculator list.

It's odd that in your state the rules are so loose. I thought that the whole point of standardized tests was that the students are all graded against the same standard.

[eyeontheprize]

14. Some students are more equal than others. N/T