A Message for Educational Critics.

I have heard plenty about how bad our students are compared to the rest of the world, state, nation. Our test scores are stagnant. Kids don't know anything. Teachers are bums.

If anyone is interested, the released questions from the 11th grade test are here:
http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/pgm_assessment/necap/released_items/07/grade_11_math.pdf

Take an hour and see how you would do. On certain questions, a calculator is not allowed. Look for the icon. Getting 50% would mean you are proficient.

Think about how difficult this set of questions is for you and consider whether you need to know this information or be able to use these skills to do your job.

Then you can rant all you like about how bad our students are and what lazy overpaid teachers we have here in this state.