Data mining our kids

In the B.F. Herald’s, Sept. 19th article, we were informed that the new standardized test will no longer be the ISAT, but will be the SBAC (Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium) test. Our children are expected to score 30-40 percent below the ISAT test and kindergartners will now be learning typing skills in order to take the SBAC by third grade.

Welcome to Common Core Standards where data mining our kids is the goal, not rigorous education. Isn’t it interesting that 40 percent of the new SBAC test has the child type in their answers?  What better way to collect individual scoop on our children and their families. These tests use touchy-feely questions to pull out personal information on the child.

Per the Idaho School Board Association 2014 Resolutions, the state currently collects  527 data points. This information is gathered in Idaho’s Statewide Longitudinal Data System. The SLDS was paid for by the Fed’s Stimulus bill as a mandatory requirement to receive the stimulus money for education.

From there, your child’s information will be transferred to the National Student Clearinghouse database, (per the Idaho State Board of Education’s  amendment (SFSF ARRA Element (B) (1)(12) updated 3/16/11). This national clearinghouse could then possibly be accessed by all US school administrators, the federal government, corporations, interested associations and even international interests. This data mining will only get more intense and intrusive. Where did local school controls go? Data mining is only one aspect of the new standards. Find out more at our community meeting on Common Core Standards, Saturday, Oct. 19th, 11 a.m. at Bonners Ferry High School Auditorium.

Lynda Fioravanti

Bonners Ferry