The "Next Blog" link

I'm puzzled as to why when I click the next blog link from my blog I am consistently being directed to fashion blogs.

Utah Basic Skills Testing (UBSCT)

I'm confused, as usual when it comes to anything to do with the educational system in this state. This time, my confusion comes about as the result of a letter that came from the high school here concerning Utah Basic Skills Testing (UBST). This letter states, "The UBSCT is a state-mandated test. Students must pass all three sections of the test or attempt all sections of the test 3 times to receive a basic diploma and walk at graduation." It seems to me that the requirement should be to actually pass the test, not just take it three times. In fact, according to the UBST website:

In 1999, the Utah State Legislature drafted and passed H.B. 33. Among other things, H.B. 33 called for the construction and implementation of a basic skills competency test to be given in the tenth grade. In 2000, the need and desire for a basic skills competency test was reaffirmed by the legislature in the passage of H.B. 177.

In the summer of 2000, the Utah State Office of Education entered into a contract with a national test publisher for the development of the basic skills competency test. Students who are tenth graders in 2004 (the graduating class of 2006) will need to pass this test in order to receive a "basic high school diploma."

Sounds like a good idea, but these days all that is required is to try to pass the test. So, I'm puzzled as to why we're even spending the money to administer this test. Someone, help me out here.

The stupidest thing I heard yesterday

A teenage boy (guess who) was found hiding in a field, dressed all in black, at 1:00 a.m. by the police. Among his possessions was a box cutter. When asked what that was for, he stated, "For self protection - in case I saw anyone suspicious-looking." Good thing he didn't have a mirror with him, I guess.

Educator alert!

Now that I'm unemployed again, I'll have plenty of time to complain about our educational system again. Comments from educators are welcome, and feel free to resort to name-calling if you haven't got a good argument, as has happened here in the past.

Test

Do not be alarmed. I'm only testing a blogging app for my iPod. This isn't an actual post. It is only a test.

Account preferences

Today I got an email from Qwest asking me to update my account preferences. I haven't had an account with Qwest for years. Do I really need to let them in on the fact that I no longer wish to be contacted regarding an account that was closed years ago? Perhaps I should. Next they'll be billing me for customer service service. Interestingly, I can only respond to the email via snail mail. Something just seems wrong with all of this to me.

More on spelling

Okay, the teacher told Angel to tell us not to get too upset about a spelling mistake on a spelling list. I think perhaps I am over reacting... until I see that it's actually news when words are misspelled on tests elsewhere. Granted, that story is about a misspelled word on a statewide test, but this was a spelling list. What's the point if the words are misspelled?

Just when I think it can't get worse...

the elementary education system gives me more to complain about. Today, it's a small thing, really. It just annoys me that Angel brought home a spelling list with the word "trival" on it. Any teachers out there know why?