Tom Fudge: Two recent studies of high school academic achievement nationwide are presenting a mixed picture of American education. In short, they show that students are getting better grades, but they don't appear to be learning any more. In fact in some cases, scores on standardized tests have dropped over the past 15 years.
News about the studies were released by the National Assessment Governing Board. The studies raise questions about what can be done to produce more meaningful results when it comes to learning. Joining me to talk about all this is a member of the California Senate who has a keen interest in education.
Guest
- Tom Torlakson, Democratic state senator representing Contra Costa in Northern California. He is also chair of the Senate's Appropriations Committee.
End Music: Dirty Blond by The Bad Plus, from the album Give (2004)
