FINA World Championships: Phelps Claims 7 Gold Medals

Swimming is a tough sport mentally and physically. Starting March 17 and ending April 1, 2007 the FINA world championship is the biggest competition to hit swimming since the Olympics. It is amazing for me to see how many YOUNG swimmers are breaking through in this sport. For example Michael Phelps, 21, has claimed 7 gold medals and 4 world records thus far. 17 year old Katie Hoff finished the world championships with a gold and world record in the 400 meter individual medley. To read more highlights from the FINA World Championships click here. Tell me what you find interesting about the United States dominating the medal count with 21 gold medals, 14 silver medals and 5 bronze medals. Why do you think the United States dominates in some sports?

Standardized Test?

Standardized testing has been used for many years and every year you hear complaints. In the article that I read it says that over time the test scores will show how much progress schools have made to raise academic standards. It also says that standardized test can only give a little picture of the students in that districts ability compared to those in another district. The article states that test results may not be accurate based on many things including test conditions, students disabilities or special needs, and the learning of test taking skills opposed to plain basic knowledge. The article also brings up a good point when they talk about Minnesota's controversy when the scoring company made a small error which caused 8,000 students to fail the math section of the standardized test that they actually passed. 48 of those students were wrongly denied diplomas. There are alternative assessments which require a student to make their own response rather than choose a multiple choice answer. Do you think that standardized test should be used to help evaluate a child's abilities and education level. If so why? If not why and what do you believe should be used in place of sandardized test?

My new blog!!

Hi this is my first blog on my new blog site. Do you like it? I hope to hear from you soon!!