The Thrill Of Euphemism

Erika Sanzi reports on an educational breakthrough: 

Richard Carranza, Chancellor of schools in New York City, has done it again… There will be no numeric grades allowed for high schoolers, and no teachers, in any grades, are allowed to give a failing grade. The lowest “grade” allowed for elementary schoolers will be “needs improvement.” For middle schoolers, failing grades will be designated as “course in progress.” And for high schoolers, an F will become an “Incomplete,” whether the student plans on turning in any work or can show that any learning of the subject has actually occurred.

While grades and attendance are to be deemed bothersome details unworthy of attention, “factors such as equity” will, we’re assured, be given more prominence. Readers will note that the retreat from clear metrics into euphemism and pernicious fuzzwords – chief among which, “equity” - not only makes it difficult to determine pupils’ academic progress and actual competence, but also has a secondary effect of making it more difficult to identify the shortcomings of left-leaning educators and administrators. A coincidence, I’m sure.

Via here, via here. 

Previously in the world of “equity” – in San Diego, in San Francisco, and in Ohio.  

And somewhat related, this: 

And then there’s “equity” - another word favoured by both educators and campus activists – and which is defined, if at all, only in the woolliest and most evasive of terms. And which, when used by those same educators and activists, seems to mean something like “equality of outcome regardless of inputs.” Inputs including diligence and punctuality.

If that sounds a tad perverse and an unlikely path to human flourishing, our betters are only too happy to correct your unsophisticated notions.

Comments

[sH2]

"Celebrating all students"!

[Mark in Mayenne]

I fail to see how giving them poorer education is a help to the disadvantaged.

[David]

I fail to see how giving them poorer education is a help to the disadvantaged.

But think of the fairness.

[Felicity]

*snorts*

[Felicity]

In the meantime, parents vote with their feet. The demand for places in the Independent, Catholic, and Christian school sector grows - to the horror of education unions who honestly cannot see the link. I care deeply about public sector education (put my heart and soul into it) but knowing what I know chose an independent pathway for my own children. The worst part is the inequality within the public system. Any lefty who brags that they support the public sector, and offer as proof that they send their child to a public school has got their kid into a selective school that has different standards to schools in lower socioeconomic areas. Seriously makes my blood boil when I think about it. Give me a shot, bartender.

[David]

[ Slides large, brown beverage along bar. ]

The Marmite gives it zing.

[Dr Evil]

Equity is just a body of Common law guaranteeing we all get treated fairly.

[Felicity]

The marmite gives it zing

Thanks, I needed that.

[Runcie Balspune]

but also has a secondary effect of making it more difficult to identify the shortcomings of left-leaning educators and administrators

Secondary?

[John]

Secondary as in “spoilt for choice”.

[Burnsie]

"We are the shining star of American education. Onward to 100% graduation rates, comrades!"

[pst314]

"We are the shining star of American education. Onward to 100% graduation rates, comrades!"

They are, to quote their prophet Stalin, "Dizzy with success".

[Squires]

“Twirling, twirling, towards equity!”

[aelfheld]

Chancellor Richard Carranza, preparing the hapless victims of New York schools for their peonage.

So, obviously, it's all Trump's fault.

[ComputerLabRat]

This doesn't end in schools. The proponents of Equity will in the future demand that jobs be handed out to these uneducated nongraduates who have no marketable skills, nor the desire to learn any, just so workplaces contain the correct amount of Diversity and Equity. And if you don't hire and pay top dollar for one of these people, I am sure they can find some law or regulation you're violating, not to mention the social media mob that can be formed on the spot. They're fearless right now.

I could use one of those Marmite zinger shots, Bartender.

[David]

[ A jam jar of brown fluid slides along bar. ]

I’m low on clean glasses.

[Darleen]

Meanwhile --

"Asking for people to be peaceful is white supremacy!"

[Watcher In The Dark]

Somewhat related: when I did some teaching years ago (a college in the UK) two 'students' said they weren't going to hand in any assignments towards their final grade--a meaningless bit of paper that indicated they had passed--and defied we tutors to do anything about it.

Horrible humans but smart kids, I will give them that. They understood the system was set up that they couldn't be allowed to fail, so we tutors had to find a way to make them not fail. I did suggest we did all the final assignments for all the students as it would save time and we wouldn't be continually asking them to finish stuff off. The last weeks of the summer term were one long session of pleading and cajoling them to do something at long last.

Mind you, it was a triumph for us tutors if we got them to move their feet off the chairs they arranged to relax as they chatted about nothing to do with learning, other than learning how to win at video games.

[Jay Guevara]

Reality always bats last (apologies to our gracious host for the Americanism).

The race (everything is about race!) is to the swift. If you're not too swift, well ... we'll pretend you are, I guess.

[Sam]

We will continue to lose if we allow the insane to control the education of our children. We are insane for funding it in the first place.

[David]

As Instapundit often quips, “Maybe letting the enemies of our civilisation teach our children was a mistake.”

For instance.

See also.

[WTP]

“Maybe letting the enemies of our civilisation teach our children was a mistake.”

Oopsie. It's a wonder nobody said anything.

[David]

Oopsie.

It does result in quite a lot of this.

Which in turn results in quite a lot of that.

[David]

Oopsie.

As noted a while ago,

And remember, the Clown Quarter is the left’s fiefdom, where its ambitions and fantasies thrive largely unopposed. It’s a prototype utopia. Hence all the pushing and shoving, and tribal acrimony, and double standards.

Reciprocity, it turns out, is terribly plebeian.

[Burnsie]

They are, to quote their prophet Stalin, "Dizzy with success".

“Twirling, twirling, towards equity!”

How dizzy? This dizzy: NYC just announced plans to send social workers instead of police in response to 911 mental health calls.

https://nypost.com/2020/11/11/its-once-again-time-boys-and-girls-for-the-bill-chirl-hour/

As McManus points out, this will become rather problematic the first time they encounter a knife-wielding lunatic slashing away in a PCP-induced psychotic rage, but hey--eggs, omelettes, you know the deal.

[JuliaM]

Personal injury lawyers in NYC must be salivating like Pavlov’s dogs.

[Captain Nemo]

this will become rather problematic the first time they encounter a knife-wielding lunatic... but hey--eggs, omelettes, you know the deal.

Why do I increasingly think we're getting into "Gods of the Copybook Headings" territory?

[WTP]

As noted a while ago

Clicking through the comments there I run across a post in which a I showed a certain level of pride that day in my alma mater. Ah, WTH...I'll repeat it here:

Is hate speech protected speech at UF? Are faculty, students and staff free to speak hate?
Hate speech is speech that offends, insults or threatens a particular group, especially on the basis of religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation and other traits. The First Amendment protects hate speech, including symbols of hate such as a swastika, no matter how offensive it is. The First Amendment does not protect threats of violence, harassment or actual violence.

As a public educational institution, UF may not ban hate speech. We do aspire for all members of the community ---faculty, staff and students---to exhibit high standards of behavior, as well as care and concern for others. We must balance our aspirations and values against our legal obligations to protect the First Amendment rights of all—even those with views and values contrary to UF’s fundamental principles. Given that, no employee or student can interfere with the freedom of speech or freedom of movement of any member or guest of the university.

Which was taken from (at that time) this link: https://freespeech.ufl.edu/qa-for-1019-event/

Well if you click that link today (better write the date down), you will see that that specific question, worded in that direct, clear manner has now been removed and the general point of it has been lawyerly obfuscated into several different questions around the First Amendment vs. morality, etc. such that they are really not saying much of anything beyond what the First Amendment say. And saying that without even any clear indication that they stand behind it. It's ever so cute relative to the section I quoted above just three years ago. Not cute like in kittens obviously...the other one.

I appears I owe Mizzou alumnus Mr. R Sherman (where have you gone, R. Sherman?) an apology for thinking that my old school actually stood for anything, relative to Missouri.

[Rafi]

Fraud? What fraud?

https://freebeacon.com/2020-election/new-york-times-columnist-urges-democrats-to-commit-voter-fraud-in-georgia/

[ComputerLabRat]

[ A jam jar of brown fluid slides along bar. ]

[ Downs it in one go ]

That's better.

Related to the topic of the post, I wonder at the sudden popularity of remote teaching - might teachers be using the Virus freakout as an excuse to not have to deal with violent, disruptive, students who may harm them and nothing will be done about it? Teachers can give out the non-grades from afar, safely from their hidey-holes and not get called racist on top of it. Win-win!

Which makes me wonder just how long the "social worker instead of cops" policy will last, especially after the first one gets hurt or killed. Or are the social workers made of tougher stuff than teachers, who seem to be paralyzed with fear over the tiniest possible exposure to the Virus?

Which Black Lives matter? Black women? Black teachers? Black social workers? Black EMTs? Black cops? Or just black criminals, of any age?

[Adam]

One of these statements might be hate speech:

A Joe Biden has not been certified as the President-Elect.

B Donald Trump refuses to concede defeat

If you answered A, you are correct. A is hate speech because it might cause anxiety or fear among vulnerable groups, such as Democrats.

B is not hate speech because Trump is a foul-mouthed ape whose ancestors lived in caves and spoke in grunts.

See the desk attendant on your way out to collect your prize.

[Adam]

ComputerLabRat is predicting the present.

There is already the demand that since, for example, 13.4% of the US population is black, 13.4% of medical school graduates must be black. And 13.4% of top paid doctors must be black. And 13.4% of professional awards in medicine must go to blacks. In Hollywood, 13.4% of movie roles must go to blacks, 13.4% of directors, cinematographers, producers, etc must be black. Name the occupation, pay level, etc and its demographics must match the general population.

As for statistical variations or historical trends allowing for deviation from these numbers - US Courts have ruled in the past that a statistical disparity in outcomes is evidence of unlawful discrimination that requires remedy.

[WTP]

Fraud? What fraud?

Meanwhile, I make joke on Facebook that Republicans vote on Tuesday, Democrats vote on Wednesday. I get banned for 24 hours.

Also meanwhile, according to the local elections office website, neither my nor my wife's ballots have been counted.

[Steve E]

As McManus points out, this will become rather problematic the first time they encounter a knife-wielding lunatic slashing away in a PCP-induced psychotic rage...

No worries, as I pointed out in the previous thread, these days it's easier to hire mental health workers than cops as demonstrated in Minneapolis.

https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-to-consider-bringing-in-outside-police-officers-amid-shortage/573021751/

[John]

Adam,

I’m not sure I’d give much chance to an NBA team with an 86.6% non-black lineup.

[David]

US Courts have ruled in the past that a statistical disparity in outcomes is evidence of unlawful discrimination that requires remedy.

Start with a faulty premise and errors will accumulate. Quite quickly.

[WTP]

Which makes me wonder just how long the "social worker instead of cops" policy will last

I'm a bit uncomfortable with how the right is playing this. Obviously in cases of known violent, or known to be violent to self, persons are involved, the cops should at the very least be present. And of course known violent or potentially violent situations as well, regardless of knowledge of the individuals involved. So I'm putting those cases aside here. But correct me if I'm wrong...it seems to me that once upon a time the cops were not called out for every damn little thing. Like the story I saw where some Portland politician called 911 because of something his Lyft driver said. In a situation like the latter, I do believe sending the cops is both a waste of their time, our money, and as likely to escalate the situation as to remedy it. And for the most part, I am perfectly happy to send those social workers in as cannon fodder. Good luck suckers! You asked for it! Not that all, probably most, cops are good at social worker skills, but many are. I would say many if not most cops are better social workers than real (heh..."real") social workers. But that's my mostly ignorant opinion based on very, very limited second hand knowledge.

[Darleen]

Name the occupation, pay level, etc and its demographics must match the general population

Except for professional basketball or football players.

[Darleen]

Obviously in cases of known violent, or known to be violent to self, persons are involved, the cops should at the very least be present.

Leave aside the abuse of calling 911, a lot of the calls that the "social worker policy" would send people to have a great potential for violence. Why do cops generally hate to respond to domestic calls? Because of the potential for it do go south real quick. Hubby may have just blackened wife's eye, but if she sees you put handcuffs on him she may start fighting YOU with screams of "leave him alone!"

[Steve E]

Except for professional basketball or football players.

Some of those guys are just going to have to suck it up and hang up their jock straps to become doctors, engineers, etc. Kumbaya.

[WTP]

if she sees you put handcuffs on him she may start fighting YOU with screams of "leave him alone!"

Well, no handcuffs, no problem then. Don't know of SW's to carry such but I don't know everything....really not all that much, but I'm different that way. And again, I personally have no problem sending the SW's in first. I think we'd have fewer dead cops if we heard "Social Worker down!" calls and fewer "Officer down" calls. It's how I do math.

These SW people (say they) want this. I say we give it to them good and hard until they say "Uncle". But again, what do I know?

[Darleen]

I say we give it to them good and hard until they say "Uncle"

I agree to some extent. Collateral damage, though, is never the responsibility of the politicians in-charge.

[WTP]

Collateral damage, though, is never the responsibility of the politicians in-charge.

True. But there's always collateral damage one way or the other. Can't omeletize the Nazis without breaking a few French eggs. Works with Japanese/Filipinos, other substitutions as well.

[ComputerLabRat]

But correct me if I'm wrong...it seems to me that once upon a time the cops were not called out for every damn little thing.
...
I think we'd have fewer dead cops if we heard "Social Worker down!" calls and fewer "Officer down" calls.

My hypothesis is that the second statement is the reason the first statement no longer seems to be true. Social workers and EMTs don't want to be put in mortal danger any more than cops do, but of the three groups, I think cops are the ones seen as whose job it is to put their lives in the way of dangerous people first, before others do.

[WTP]

I think cops are the ones seen as whose job it is to put their lives in the way of dangerous people first, before others do.

Agree. Though according to many legal beagles, the cops really aren't required to do that...or something...again, I'm losing understanding as to what words mean anymore. But it seems to me the cops have taken on more and more responsibility and are thrust into more and more situations that really don't require that much firepower. Don't get me wrong, I personally think cops should be within reach in most of these situations. That's why I'm asking the "once upon a time" part. It seems to me, and this is only from an American viewpoint of course, that we evolved into just defaulting the cops showing up for every little problem that might, maybe, one-in-ten-thousand chance that they would be needed. I attribute some of this to the everyone-wear-a-helmet-everywhere direction that we have been moving for decades now. At one time, neighbors or family took care of family disputes. People worked things out for themselves. Not every bar fight resulted in an arrest. People just figured it out for themselves, the guy in the wrong got thrown out and told not to return. They didn't call 911 at the drop of a hat. Of course these days you need the 911 call as grist for your lawyer's poetry...but I digress....But now that we have cops at every minor crisis, people are starting to see the problem. But of course they don't want to take personal responsibility, they're looking for soft-cops. Someone else to be their "family". Which is of course stupid.

Edited that three times and still reads like a ramble...but I still feel there's something positive in this police pull-back in some regards. Obviously not in a defund the police concept, but I think it would be fun to watch the SW's get thrown into these situations as, I said, cannon fodder. Good on 'em. I really, hopefully look forward to hearing them scream...ah, but I never get what I want...but I can dream...

[ComputerLabRat]

Agree that in the past people took more responsibility for things, and 911 and cops weren't used as often. But I also think social workers, EMTs, family members, etc being the cannon fodder too many times resulted in the cops being the ones sent in at the drop of a hat. Because no one else would do it. And the safety-ism and helmets for all mentality sped up the process.

So you'll get to hear the screams once, twice, maybe three times, but then today's safety-ist SWs are gonna say "No way! I'm not going out to that call. Send the cops - that's what they get paid to do". The teachers are using Covid to hide from their violent students, in my opinion. Can't imagine the social workers being made of stronger stuff, but who knows.

It's a cycle - a pendulum swing, I think.

[mikesixes]

“equality of outcome regardless of inputs.” This is the definition of equity which has been explicitly propounded by Comma LaHarris, the person who will, barring a miracle, be installed as the vice president of the United States (and as president shortly thereafter). If you didn't already know that, you can read about it here: https://legalinsurrection.com/2020/11/kamala-harris-tweets-radical-leftist-advocacy-of-equity-over-equality/