The evolution of educational standards

Teacher education and the qualifications to be a teacher have varied greatly since the late 1800s. During the late 1800s it required passing a state test that was based on a lot of memorization and problem solving. I have a few copies of the test which was similar to the one used to pass the eighth grade to be able to go on to high school. There were also some very strict rules for teacher conduct!

The 20th Century brought a one year, two year, three year degree and then finally a B.A. degree. Classes were loaded with learning to master a lot of memorization and problem solving before the B.A. degree.

The eighth grade examination had been abolished in the late 30s or early 40s. With its demise the standards for high school enrollment and graduation went with it.

We now have an education system with many teachers having a Master’s degree or even a P.H.D. Classrooms have computers, calculators and various teaching tools. Still we have too many students who are not graduating or are graduating with questionable skills that will help them get a job.

Smaller school districts and private schools are turning out a better percentage of students who are ready for college or the work world. I realize that larger public schools are faced with many schools that have children from broken homes and they don’t have the “village” to help them guide the students toward a life of having a chance to be self-sufficient.

Gerald W. Ray, Spokane