Graduation standards change

Teacher education and the qualifications to be a teacher have varied greatly since the late 1800s. During the late 1800s, it required passing a state test that was based on a lot of memorization and problem solving. I have a few copies of the test, which was similar to the one used to pass the eighth grade to be able to go on to a high school. There were also some very strict rules for teacher conduct!

The 20th century brought a one-year, two-year, three-year degree and then finally a B.A. degree. Classes were loaded with learning to master a lot of memorization and problem solving before the B.A. degree.

The eighth-grade examination had been abolished in the late 30s or early 40s. With its demise, the standards for high school enrollment and graduation went with it.

We now have an education system with many teachers having a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. Classrooms have computers, calculators and various teaching tools. Still we have too many students who are not graduating or are graduating with questionable skills that will help them get a job.

Gerald Ray

Spokane