LOGICAL FALLACY
The Greenville (SC) News yesterday had a huge spread (6 pages) on how SC students can boost their SAT scores by taking test-prep courses. The paper endorsed school districts subsidizing these courses and suggested it should be a state-wide program. Why? Because SC scores trail the nation and kids with higher scores can get college scholarships.
While well-meaning, I think the paper misses the point. Scores in SC are low because the education is poor. If test-prep courses can magically boost kids’ scores by 100 points, are they suddenly well-educated? Why not just lobby for affirmative action for SC students? Every South Carolinian would automatically get a 100 point bonus for past educational neglect. And, let’s get rid of that 1100 requirement in order to qualify for a state scholarship. If everyone gets the scholarship, then a SC g-school diploma will be truly first-rate.
Test-prep is useful, no question. But it’s not a panacea. It will not cure SC’s g-school ills. SC should concentrate on really fixing the schools instead of looking for a magic wand from Kaplan.
One Response to “LOGICAL FALLACY”
 Comment by Adrian December 31st, 2004 at 2:21 am |
I have three free tips offer those seeking to up their test scores: Tip the first… Go to class everyday and be attentive. Tip the second… Be diligent in learning the material, not getting a grade. Tip the third… Realize that you are more than your SAT score. This is a test designed to test certain skills and knowledge which have a high correlation with collegiate success, not a number that determines how good of a person you are. These are my three tips for SAT success if you’re still in a school, public or private. Homeschoolers needn’t worry about the first and second tips, since that’s what they already do. |