The teachers can’t either.
Almost 2,400 North Carolina elementary school teachers have failed the math portion of their licensing exams, which puts their careers in jeopardy, since the state hired Pearson publishing company to give the exam in 2013, according to a report presented to the state Board of Education Wednesday.
Failure rates have spiked as schools around the state struggle to find teachers for the youngest children. Education officials are now echoing what frustrated teachers have been saying: The problem may lie with the exams rather than the educators.
Teachers in Florida and Indiana have also seen mass failures when their states adopted Pearson testing, according to news reports from those states. Concern about the validity of the Pearson licensing exams is so pervasive that it was discussed at this year’s National Education Association conference, said North Carolina Association of Educators President Mark Jewell.
There are such things as bad tests. There are also ways to beat them if they are a problem. However, that doesn’t explain away the low proficiency rates among the students. This looks like the fruit falling near the tree. Except that, in the woods, gravity operates for free. American taxpayers spend a lot of money on failure. I’d drop some numbers here, but: 1) I’ve done that so many times, and; 2) I don’t want to confuse anyone to the point they have to consult with their ninth grade child…
See. It should have said, “Solve for x.” It’s 5 cm, by the way…
PERRIN LOVETT 
When I was young I went to parochial school, thus the reason I have the perfect solution to our education problems – put a Nun in every classroom. Given a Habit and a ruler, I wouldn’t worry about going back to school. I had a 3rd grade student that made me fear for my own personal safety last year (among several others children). I have to say it just ain’t worth the money. Discipline has disappeared. It’s not just in the homes anymore. It’s not allowed at school either. Breaks my heart.
Bess, sorry to hear about that all-to-common situation. I would agree with the Nuns, except we’re short quite a few of them. RC schools nationwide, while in much better shape than the government prisons, are flagging. There’s a decline with both Catholic and Protestant congregations which mirrors the decline in the schools and the decline in greater society. I’m a big believer (dreamer) in MAGA, but I think the next decade or two will prove unpleasant.
For what it’s worth, (in another century [ha!]) I went to a private school, K-5. Then I entered a state-run prison. The private academy wasn’t top tier but it was advanced (in all regards) compared to the gov. system. They didn’t catch up to where I had been in 5th grade until maybe high school. In hindsight, I wish I had skipped grades, done joint enrollment, or just dropped out. And, that was then, when the middle and high schools were … passable. Today, they are such insidious failures I have actually contemplated renouncing my diploma. I may do that just before my final divorce from this collapsing society and departure to civilization. Until then, I’m going to keep ringing bells and shouting. I appreciate that you hear it and understand. Whatever school you’re at is lucky to have you!
And, Bess, I think I have Bernie-Care on deck for next week’s TPC. The following week I might do a back to school issue. Seems popular. Maybe we could throw some ideas around.