Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Research
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=127&sid=3509a59f-4f98-4c57-851e-b66e11ed466a%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=eric&AN=EJ893892
This document is a study of the correlation between Advanced Placement tests scores of students in high school and their success in the first semester of their University life. This study shows that AP test scores better document the capabilities of a student as opposed to the outdated class ranking systems that high schools have adopted. The study stated that "Regardless of ethnicity, gender, class rank or SAT score, students with advanced placement earned higher first semester college GPAs than their counterparts with similar high school academic characteristics, but who lacked advanced placement credit". This document shows that AP test scores are a better indicator of academic achievement than any other score or category that the students fall into.
This document is a study of the correlation between Advanced Placement tests scores of students in high school and their success in the first semester of their University life. This study shows that AP test scores better document the capabilities of a student as opposed to the outdated class ranking systems that high schools have adopted. The study stated that "Regardless of ethnicity, gender, class rank or SAT score, students with advanced placement earned higher first semester college GPAs than their counterparts with similar high school academic characteristics, but who lacked advanced placement credit". This document shows that AP test scores are a better indicator of academic achievement than any other score or category that the students fall into.
Research
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=6&hid=122&sid=3509a59f-4f98-4c57-851e-b66e11ed466a%40sessionmgr11&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=eric&AN=EJ780518
This document covers the system in which high schools rank students. Test scores, difficulty of courses, class rank, and grade point average are the top four indicators of student success when applying to universities. In the study, 80% of high schools use a weighted GPA to determine rank, 12.6% determine rank with an unweighted GPA, 5% use both, and 2.4% use no class rank. Some school districts implement a bonus unweighted where AP/ honors classes have an additional "weight" to the unweighted GPA. In addition, many large schools are faced with numerous Valedictorians due to ties in GPA for number one in class rank.
Class rank is seen to "provide colleges with a measure of relative class standing [and] to provide the student with extrinsic incentives to take appropriately challenging courses while in high school to adequately prepare the student for a college curriculum". Both are means to increase course difficulty for students in order to challenge themselves and force them to grow.
This document covers the system in which high schools rank students. Test scores, difficulty of courses, class rank, and grade point average are the top four indicators of student success when applying to universities. In the study, 80% of high schools use a weighted GPA to determine rank, 12.6% determine rank with an unweighted GPA, 5% use both, and 2.4% use no class rank. Some school districts implement a bonus unweighted where AP/ honors classes have an additional "weight" to the unweighted GPA. In addition, many large schools are faced with numerous Valedictorians due to ties in GPA for number one in class rank.
Class rank is seen to "provide colleges with a measure of relative class standing [and] to provide the student with extrinsic incentives to take appropriately challenging courses while in high school to adequately prepare the student for a college curriculum". Both are means to increase course difficulty for students in order to challenge themselves and force them to grow.
Research
http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/MagazinesDetailsPage/MagazinesDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Magazines&disableHighlighting=false&prodId=OVIC&action=e&windowstate=normal&catId=&documentId=GALE|A215121628&mode=view
The University of Colorado states that it will only admit students from the top 10 percent of their high school class. Many states have already implemented this policy, such as Florida admitting the top 20 percent and California admitting the top 4 percent. Texas universities have faced complaints that they admit a large percentage of students solely on their rank in school. School boards want a cap on students admitted solely by that policy. This policy has boosted minority enrollment in some states, but that was not the main purpose of the enacted policy. Colorado's new policy sets up a reachable criterion in which students are guaranteed admission.
The University of Colorado states that it will only admit students from the top 10 percent of their high school class. Many states have already implemented this policy, such as Florida admitting the top 20 percent and California admitting the top 4 percent. Texas universities have faced complaints that they admit a large percentage of students solely on their rank in school. School boards want a cap on students admitted solely by that policy. This policy has boosted minority enrollment in some states, but that was not the main purpose of the enacted policy. Colorado's new policy sets up a reachable criterion in which students are guaranteed admission.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Research
http://www.cbhscircuit.com/?p=54
Adam Birnbaum of Cypress Bay High School voices his opinion on class ranking in his high school. Birnbaum's column describes the importance of class rank at his school because rank, along with SAT/ ACT scores, are the two most important numbers for college applications. With class rank, students at Cypress Bay overfill their schedules with rigorous courses with the option to enroll in dual credit classes at the local college, Broward College, in order to receive additional AP 6.0 weighted GPA's. Birnbaum believes that this GPA loading is "cheating" and is unfair to students who cannot do this. In addition, Birnbaum feels that the dual-enrollment is merely for students who have interest in those additional college classes, not for students who want to boost their rank. Birnbaum believes that students should choose curriculums based on what students enjoy and that the rank system or the dual-enrollment should be altered or eliminated all together if the GPA loading does not stop.
Adam Birnbaum of Cypress Bay High School voices his opinion on class ranking in his high school. Birnbaum's column describes the importance of class rank at his school because rank, along with SAT/ ACT scores, are the two most important numbers for college applications. With class rank, students at Cypress Bay overfill their schedules with rigorous courses with the option to enroll in dual credit classes at the local college, Broward College, in order to receive additional AP 6.0 weighted GPA's. Birnbaum believes that this GPA loading is "cheating" and is unfair to students who cannot do this. In addition, Birnbaum feels that the dual-enrollment is merely for students who have interest in those additional college classes, not for students who want to boost their rank. Birnbaum believes that students should choose curriculums based on what students enjoy and that the rank system or the dual-enrollment should be altered or eliminated all together if the GPA loading does not stop.
Research
http://smeharbinger.net/opinion/editorial/editorial-class-rank-should-be-eliminated
An anonymous student from Shawnee Mission East High School advocates for the elimination of class rank at his or her high school in Kansas. The student believes that class rank is ineffective because its only criterion is GPA and doesn't take any extracurricular activities to account such as sports, musical talents, or artistic "prowess". In addition, the differences between two adjacent ranks is calculated to the ten-thousandth point; that minute difference determines the rank between students. Shawnee Mission East's principal agrees with the elimination, stating that "The reality is that schools should never squelch the dreams of its students". The principal believes that students should not be labelled with a number and that class rank misrepresents students in more elite schools such as Shawnee Mission East.
An anonymous student from Shawnee Mission East High School advocates for the elimination of class rank at his or her high school in Kansas. The student believes that class rank is ineffective because its only criterion is GPA and doesn't take any extracurricular activities to account such as sports, musical talents, or artistic "prowess". In addition, the differences between two adjacent ranks is calculated to the ten-thousandth point; that minute difference determines the rank between students. Shawnee Mission East's principal agrees with the elimination, stating that "The reality is that schools should never squelch the dreams of its students". The principal believes that students should not be labelled with a number and that class rank misrepresents students in more elite schools such as Shawnee Mission East.
Research
http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial-news/article/Class-rank-matters-to-many-universities-3323382.php
Eight Texas universities have revealed their systems in enrolling prospecting students. All eight universities stated that class rank plays an important roll for incoming applicants. In UT Austin, students are viewed more holistically, taking in to account extracurricular activities, test scores, and school profiles. In addition, UT Austin allows the top eight percent of schools guaranteed admissions. If incoming students do not give a class rank, then UT Austin will simply assign a rank to them. Rice University's Julia Browning stated, "Class rank speaks to a student's willingness to compete". Most universities claim that class rank makes admission easier and more efficient. Texas A&M mostly looks at "rigor of courses and class rank". Class rank is mandatory for applicants there, or else they will not be admitted.
Eight Texas universities have revealed their systems in enrolling prospecting students. All eight universities stated that class rank plays an important roll for incoming applicants. In UT Austin, students are viewed more holistically, taking in to account extracurricular activities, test scores, and school profiles. In addition, UT Austin allows the top eight percent of schools guaranteed admissions. If incoming students do not give a class rank, then UT Austin will simply assign a rank to them. Rice University's Julia Browning stated, "Class rank speaks to a student's willingness to compete". Most universities claim that class rank makes admission easier and more efficient. Texas A&M mostly looks at "rigor of courses and class rank". Class rank is mandatory for applicants there, or else they will not be admitted.
Research (Seventh Post of Many)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/31/education/claremont-mckenna-college-says-it-exaggerated-sat-figures.html?ref=us
Claremont McKenna College, a small top liberal arts school, admitted to inflating SAT scores of incoming students in order to boost rankings for the college. Officials were shocked that the dishonesty of the school and the motivation to commit such an act. The college will be removed from next year's ranking list for private colleges.
This article provides insight on the horrors of ranking systems. Claremont McKenna College resorted to dishonesty in order to boost their ranking, and the same may happen in high schools regarding students and students themselves regarding their own grades. In addition, this article further proves that students are merely viewed as numbers and scores under a ranking system.
Claremont McKenna College, a small top liberal arts school, admitted to inflating SAT scores of incoming students in order to boost rankings for the college. Officials were shocked that the dishonesty of the school and the motivation to commit such an act. The college will be removed from next year's ranking list for private colleges.
This article provides insight on the horrors of ranking systems. Claremont McKenna College resorted to dishonesty in order to boost their ranking, and the same may happen in high schools regarding students and students themselves regarding their own grades. In addition, this article further proves that students are merely viewed as numbers and scores under a ranking system.
Research (Sixth Post of Many)
http://www.islandpacket.com/2012/02/23/1975382/beaufort-high-principal-says-he.html
Principal Dan Durbin of Beaufort High School admitted that he changed 200 grades for 33 students over the past two years. He stated that each case was handled individually. He changed the grades for students in order to give students the motivation to learn from mistakes and move on. Durbin states, "I hope the message I sent students was that you're not just a number," he said. "If you try hard and work hard, we'll work with you." Durbin believes that new principals only treat students as numbers while he chooses to treat students as individuals with human needs.
Regardless, Durbin's actions are against standard procedure, so he will resign from his position. His actions to bumping up students grades show that class ranks are necessary in the event of grade inflation so that colleges and other administrations are able to see how students perform relative to their peers.
In addition, Durbin's actions reveal the discontent that students are treated as merely numbers for school administration now.
Principal Dan Durbin of Beaufort High School admitted that he changed 200 grades for 33 students over the past two years. He stated that each case was handled individually. He changed the grades for students in order to give students the motivation to learn from mistakes and move on. Durbin states, "I hope the message I sent students was that you're not just a number," he said. "If you try hard and work hard, we'll work with you." Durbin believes that new principals only treat students as numbers while he chooses to treat students as individuals with human needs.
Regardless, Durbin's actions are against standard procedure, so he will resign from his position. His actions to bumping up students grades show that class ranks are necessary in the event of grade inflation so that colleges and other administrations are able to see how students perform relative to their peers.
In addition, Durbin's actions reveal the discontent that students are treated as merely numbers for school administration now.
Research (Fifth Post of Many)
http://www.thesagonline.com/2012/01/class-rank-pros-and-cons/
Paul Kim of Brookline High School, MA, voices his opinion on the issue of class rank on December 2011. Kim states that class ranks are only beneficial for schools with a student population with low "academic passion". With a school that implements class rank, Kim argues that competition is ignited. Kim generally believes that competition "motivates" students into pushing themselves to take more demanding courses. In addition, Kim states that school can be more "interesting" with competition as it compels students to become better academically.
With a school that does not implement class rank, Kim states that the school generally has a student population that is "academically motivated". These students are more enthusiastic about learning, and the teachers are more passionate about teaching. Competition and incentive to learn is already present without the use of class rank.
Paul Kim of Brookline High School, MA, voices his opinion on the issue of class rank on December 2011. Kim states that class ranks are only beneficial for schools with a student population with low "academic passion". With a school that implements class rank, Kim argues that competition is ignited. Kim generally believes that competition "motivates" students into pushing themselves to take more demanding courses. In addition, Kim states that school can be more "interesting" with competition as it compels students to become better academically.
With a school that does not implement class rank, Kim states that the school generally has a student population that is "academically motivated". These students are more enthusiastic about learning, and the teachers are more passionate about teaching. Competition and incentive to learn is already present without the use of class rank.
Research (Fourth Post of Many)
http://www.mndaily.com/2010/07/07/more-hs-transcripts-omit-class-rank
Miranda Taylor of Minnesota Daily reports that more and more high schools in America are eliminating class ranks. High schools understand the need to promote competition in classrooms but argue that class ranks do not provide "meaningful" competition. The top 50 students are often determined by minuscule differences in GPA, meaning nothing in the long run. Parents overlook students' accomplishments, just viewing them as the ranks assigned to them. Anya Cleaver, a high school student, voices the opinion of others when she states that test results are a better indicator of success than class ranks.
Colleges use class ranks as "one of the four primary factors the University considers when admitting freshmen". Without class rank information, college admission offices are forced to estimate student's rank, leading to less accurate admissions.
High schools have sought a third solution, where class ranks are omitted from student transcripts but can be published at the demand of the student.
Miranda Taylor of Minnesota Daily reports that more and more high schools in America are eliminating class ranks. High schools understand the need to promote competition in classrooms but argue that class ranks do not provide "meaningful" competition. The top 50 students are often determined by minuscule differences in GPA, meaning nothing in the long run. Parents overlook students' accomplishments, just viewing them as the ranks assigned to them. Anya Cleaver, a high school student, voices the opinion of others when she states that test results are a better indicator of success than class ranks.
Colleges use class ranks as "one of the four primary factors the University considers when admitting freshmen". Without class rank information, college admission offices are forced to estimate student's rank, leading to less accurate admissions.
High schools have sought a third solution, where class ranks are omitted from student transcripts but can be published at the demand of the student.
Research (Third Post of Many)
Chicago Schools eliminate class rank
Many top ranked high schools in the Chicagoland area have eliminated class rankings from their programs, including "Barrington High School [that] phased out the practice in 2008, [and] high schools in Deerfield, Highland Park, Glenview, Naperville and Northbrook... in 2006" while Lake Zurich will join the trend by 2013. High schools argued that the class ranking system led to severe competition between students, but some worry that opting out of class rankings will hinder students' chances of being admitted to top tier colleges. But the trend has also hit colleges, as Northwestern, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reported that they were seeing less transcripts with class rank including in them. In a time of "grade inflation and ubiquitous A's", class ranks are argued to be necessary to see how students stand relative to others. But high schools argue that the class ranks hurt students who are not top tier and force top tier students to choose schedules purely to boost their GPA. In addition, proponents of eliminating the class rank believe that wealthier, more elite schools are unfairly represented as they can only show a small percentile of their successful students.
Many top ranked high schools in the Chicagoland area have eliminated class rankings from their programs, including "Barrington High School [that] phased out the practice in 2008, [and] high schools in Deerfield, Highland Park, Glenview, Naperville and Northbrook... in 2006" while Lake Zurich will join the trend by 2013. High schools argued that the class ranking system led to severe competition between students, but some worry that opting out of class rankings will hinder students' chances of being admitted to top tier colleges. But the trend has also hit colleges, as Northwestern, University of Chicago, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reported that they were seeing less transcripts with class rank including in them. In a time of "grade inflation and ubiquitous A's", class ranks are argued to be necessary to see how students stand relative to others. But high schools argue that the class ranks hurt students who are not top tier and force top tier students to choose schedules purely to boost their GPA. In addition, proponents of eliminating the class rank believe that wealthier, more elite schools are unfairly represented as they can only show a small percentile of their successful students.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Research (Second Post of Many)
Schools Avoid Class Ranking
Alan Finder of the New York Times reports in 2006 about the growing trend of high schools dismissing their class ranking systems from their students college applications. Angry, colleges argue that class ranking helps colleges see the excellence of a student relative to the rest of the class of the school. Without a ranking system, colleges are forced to weigh standardized test scores more heavily, which hurts the students applying. High schools argue that class rankings have lead to cutthroat, high-tension competition among students, which led to a hostile learning environment. In addition, high schools stated that rankings are unfair among small schools with smaller percentiles and schools with a highly elite class. High schools argue that the difference between the top 10 and the top 20 in schools is minute; without a class ranking, colleges are forced to look at students more fully rather than just the number assigned to them.
Alan Finder of the New York Times reports in 2006 about the growing trend of high schools dismissing their class ranking systems from their students college applications. Angry, colleges argue that class ranking helps colleges see the excellence of a student relative to the rest of the class of the school. Without a ranking system, colleges are forced to weigh standardized test scores more heavily, which hurts the students applying. High schools argue that class rankings have lead to cutthroat, high-tension competition among students, which led to a hostile learning environment. In addition, high schools stated that rankings are unfair among small schools with smaller percentiles and schools with a highly elite class. High schools argue that the difference between the top 10 and the top 20 in schools is minute; without a class ranking, colleges are forced to look at students more fully rather than just the number assigned to them.
Research (First Post of Many)
What Class Rank Says About Health
Roni Rabin of New York Times reports that research and studies have shown that students with better class ranks have better health. Students who perform better in school tend to have acquire occupations with more job security than students who perform poorly. In addition, high class ranked students have better habits and manage their life better. The high-level of learning increases critical thinking and cognitive skills needed in life. Generally, high ranked students have the "psychological characteristics" of a hardworking student such as diligence, time management, responsibility, and they are able to learn and operate more effectively.
Roni Rabin of New York Times reports that research and studies have shown that students with better class ranks have better health. Students who perform better in school tend to have acquire occupations with more job security than students who perform poorly. In addition, high class ranked students have better habits and manage their life better. The high-level of learning increases critical thinking and cognitive skills needed in life. Generally, high ranked students have the "psychological characteristics" of a hardworking student such as diligence, time management, responsibility, and they are able to learn and operate more effectively.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Monday Matters: Controversy #3
Ban illegal immigrants from state colleges
Jeremy Redmon and Laura Diamond of Atlanta Journal Constitution give insight on the new legislation of Georgia sponsored by Republican lawmakers that would effectively prevent illegal immigrants from attending Georgia colleges. The legislation requires incoming students to provide verifiable identification that will be run through a federal database in order to attend the state colleges or universities. Georgia's University System opposes the legislation as they already address the issue of illegal immigrants, stating that they either turn away academically unqualified students or require illegal students to pay out-of-state tuition to attend. Opponents argue that this legislation does not solve the real issue, the declining standard of education in Georgia, by further limiting educational opportunities for students. In addition, other opponents voice their concern that the tightening identification requirements will slow the issuance of certain licenses and permits that hinders economic development.
Jeremy Redmon and Laura Diamond of Atlanta Journal Constitution give insight on the new legislation of Georgia sponsored by Republican lawmakers that would effectively prevent illegal immigrants from attending Georgia colleges. The legislation requires incoming students to provide verifiable identification that will be run through a federal database in order to attend the state colleges or universities. Georgia's University System opposes the legislation as they already address the issue of illegal immigrants, stating that they either turn away academically unqualified students or require illegal students to pay out-of-state tuition to attend. Opponents argue that this legislation does not solve the real issue, the declining standard of education in Georgia, by further limiting educational opportunities for students. In addition, other opponents voice their concern that the tightening identification requirements will slow the issuance of certain licenses and permits that hinders economic development.
Monday Matters: Controversy #2
The White House No Longer Views Illegal Immigration As A Crime
Hanson of Investor's Business Daily offers his opinion on the White House's new perspective on illegal immigration. The Obama Administration stated that "it will focus enforcement only on those who have committed crimes — with the implicit understanding that it is no longer a crime to illegally enter and reside in the United States". Hanson voices his concern towards this policy, stating that illegal immigration is not just a one-time crime as the immigrants lie frequently on their job applications of their origins. In addition, the cheap labor that illegal aliens give damages the labor value of actual American citizens. Hanson also emphasizes the unfairness of this policy, as it punishes people seeking legal immigration with delay or rejection while awarding illegal immigrants for breaking the law and seeking to the American border. Hanson states that he is in affirmation of having the illegal immigrants test for proficiency, American citizenship, or pay a fine but reiterates that many illegal aliens would not be willing to comply with those demands.
Hanson of Investor's Business Daily offers his opinion on the White House's new perspective on illegal immigration. The Obama Administration stated that "it will focus enforcement only on those who have committed crimes — with the implicit understanding that it is no longer a crime to illegally enter and reside in the United States". Hanson voices his concern towards this policy, stating that illegal immigration is not just a one-time crime as the immigrants lie frequently on their job applications of their origins. In addition, the cheap labor that illegal aliens give damages the labor value of actual American citizens. Hanson also emphasizes the unfairness of this policy, as it punishes people seeking legal immigration with delay or rejection while awarding illegal immigrants for breaking the law and seeking to the American border. Hanson states that he is in affirmation of having the illegal immigrants test for proficiency, American citizenship, or pay a fine but reiterates that many illegal aliens would not be willing to comply with those demands.
Monday Matters: Controversy
Path to Green Card for Illegal Immigrants
Julia Preston of the New York Times reported that the Obama administration was working on facilitating the procedure of getting an American green card for illegal immigrants related to legal American citizens. The current policy states that the American citizens must apply for green cards for their illegal immigrant relatives while the immigrants are deported back to their home country. Upon deportation, the aliens are barred from entering America for years even after eligibility for legal residency. Waivers for this barring are available but hard to obtain. The Obama administration seeks to establish the use of provisional waivers for the aliens before deportation so that they will most definitely come back to the States after eligibility for legal residency has been approved. In addition, this action does not require the approval of Congress, so the process can be applied quickly and efficiently. In doing so, the waiting time for legal residency will be cut down significantly. This policy has been met with positive feedback from the Latino population.
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