Former mayor opens awards – News

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the UGA Campus Chapter of NAACP’s Inaugural Image Awards, and I must say that it was fabulous.

Unlike UNC, UGA students don’t have as many formals or balls- so they relish opportunities to dress up. People definitely came with their “A” game, and as always, you’re surprised to see how well some people can clean up.

Anyhow, the spirit of the night was incredible, and for once, I felt that black students at UGA were on one accord in reference to the issues that we face daily on this campus and in the community.

For me, the highlight of the night was hearing former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young give the address. His message was incredibly inspirational, and it left me wondering why he doesn’t go back to being a preacher. And when he announced that he now listens to books on his Ipod, in addition to music; I decided I still have a long way to go on my journey of being truly educated and inspiring to others.

Young said that he believes that our struggle is to now integrate the corporate aspect of America; to integrate the money. He reminded us all that the challenges we face are because we are children of God, involved in the essential struggle of good versus evil.

It was truly an awesome message, from an equally awesome person whom I admire. And it helped to re-focus my attention on the things that matter. I feel rejuvenated, and ready to face the future. Gotta love that.

And what is it that I’m tired of: all this talk about standardized testing and schools.

I just finished reading this article on CNN.com which was discussing how students are making better grades, but they can’t get past the tests. And since the tests are what matter, as opposed to what students actually KNOW…then, I suppose that is a problem.

I’m about to enter into the workforce with all this talk about testing, standards, No Child Left Behind, etc. While I honestly believe that the testing can be used in a positive way, I don’t feel like it is right now. Currently, teachers are under pressure to make sure that their kids can get past the tests. Does that mean they might be slacking off in other areas? Perhaps. And maybe that can explain the increase in grades.

At any rate, I’d like to see more emphasis placed on the State Standards for Education. Perhaps by providing clearer standards for what students should know and be able to do, we’ll have students who can make good grades AND pass the tests. Additionally, it helps teachers have a clearer idea of what they should be teaching. While I’m all for having freedom to explore subjects on my own in the classroom, I would appreciate a clear set of guidelines and/or standards at least for the basics.

I’m scared that this testing crap is going to push the state of public education to an even lower point than it is at now. If people thought there was an education crisis in the 1950s and 1960s, just wait and see what will happen if we continue at this rate. It’s time for some change.