Arizona High Schools Fail Civics
By Sun Kyu Bae |
Published July 3, 2009 |
Articles |
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Is there any justification as to why Arizona high school students failed a sample civics test? Find out here.
Students
Now, when I first read the article, the first thing that came to mind was the number and demographics of the student population tested.
The sheer number of students tested is important in tests like these because, statistically, it takes at least 30 data points to deliver a test that is "good enough" for a fair representation of results (I thank my statistics professors for that bit - it was one of a handful of things that actually stuck with me!).
Given that 1,140 students were tested, the numbers are sufficient to deliver a fair result.
But how about demographics?
This is a point in which the article remains silent. I'm can't say whether this omission was intentional, but you can see how the demographics of the student population would clearly impact the results of the test. For example, if most of the 1,140 students happened to be taken from the poorest- performing schools, then one would expect results to be in line with historical academic performance.
On the other hand, if the sample of students were taken from the highest-performing schools, these results would be an eye-opener indeed.
But until we know more about the demographics of the student population who took this test, this is the one open point that public schools will have to challenge the test results.
Incentives
Not only does the make up of the student population matter, but the incentives for answering these questions clearly impact test results. For example, as stated earlier, the article states that over 90% of applicants pass the U.S. Citizenship test on their first attempt. Well, if your own U.S. Citizenship were on the line, would be there be any question as to whether you will pass?
I mean, yes, we all can complain about the problems we're having in our country today, but let's face it - I rather be dealing with these problems than say, what's going on in Honduras.
Now, what do you think the consequences were for the student population that failed this test? Nada.
And so, with zero consequences on the condition of failure, the students put in a little more effort in taking this test than breathing itself.
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