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The problem of cheating on standardized tests that was recently uncovered in the Baltimore City Public Schools is apparently another in a long list of testing scandals that have plagued school districts across the country. Some might argue that these episodes provide further proof of sociologist Donald T. Campbell’s observation made more than three decades ago. “Campbell’s law,” as it is known, states that the more a quantitative measure is used for social decision-making, the more it will be subject to corruption pressures that distort the social process it is intended to monitor.

While I agree with that assessment, I would go further and argue that testing scandals are symptomatic of a more insidious societal problem: a refusal by its leaders to accept responsibility for the consequences of their decisions. Defining accountability in terms of a quantitative measure — a number — is actually an elaborate hoax perpetrated by the leadership to avoid being accountable.

For example, basing education policy decisions on standardized test scores (numbers) means that the educators in charge are relieved from using professional judgment. Consider all the effort school leaders no longer need to exert and decisions they no longer have to defend.

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If the students are judged based on test scores, there is no need to consider their natural abilities and inclinations. Whether B’s on a math test result from overachieving C students who become inspired by a great teacher, or underachieving A students who are bored with the class, becomes irrelevant.

If the teachers are judged based on their students’ test scores, there is no need to go into the classroom and observe their methods and interactions with students. Whether students are succeeding in spite of bad teaching or failing despite good teaching becomes irrelevant.

If the schools are judged based on test scores, there is no need to work at improving the schools. All that is necessary is to declare schools with low scores failures, fire the teachers and principals, and give the work of educating the students to others — even if there is no reason to believe that schools with different personnel would do any better.

Test scores are not the only numbers that school officials use in place of judgment. Consider the number zero, as in the “zero tolerance” policies in place for rule infractions. Carry a penknife or lighter to fix your lacrosse stick, as two Easton high school students did recently, and receive a punitive suspension that defies all common sense.

In all of the above examples, the reliance on numbers means that the decisions made are automatic and require no professional judgment. As a result, none of the leaders are accountable for the outcomes.

The field of education is not unique in its use of numbers to avoid accountability. Our economy is still struggling to recover from an elaborate accountability hoax perpetrated by the financial system. Home prices were appraised based on inflated comparables, not on what the market could reasonably support over the long run. Credit scores were assigned based on past payment histories, not on the ability to make future payments. Securities were rated based on mathematical models with faulty assumptions, not on realistic assessments of risk. When the system came crashing down, no one was accountable because everyone’s actions were in response to numbers, even though those numbers were meaningless.

Is the kind of wreckage brought on our economy what we desire for our education system? The obsession with test scores to the exclusion of other educational goals suggests that we are heading in that direction. The truth is that judging the quality of teachers and schools requires looking at more than just student test scores, that education has more dimensions than just reading and math, and that the single-minded goal of continually improving test scores is not realistic.

Professionals, whether they are in education, business, law, medicine, science or engineering, are hired because their specialized training and extensive experience endows them with superior judgment. Without the ability to exercise that judgment, there is no point to hiring a professional. There will always be errors in judgment. But do we want a society in which to avoid blame, no one uses judgment?

A society in which decisions are based solely on numbers instead of sound judgment is one in which no one is truly accountable.

Joseph Ganem is a professor of physics at Loyola University Maryland and author of the book “The Two Headed Quarter: How to See Through Deceptive Numbers and Save Money on Everything You Buy.” His email is ganem@loyola.edu.

The state Education Department has come out with a Government Resolution for private schools in connection with their high fee structure.

This comes in the wake of representation by Yogesh Patel, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Religious places and Non-Resident Indians, about complaints of private schools overcharging parents for fees and for demanding donations.

Patel told mediapersons that he made the representation to Chief Minister Narendra Modi after he gathered substantial evidence against the private schools.

These schools were charging hefty fees besides forcing parents to make donations and buy stationary and school uniforms from a particular shop or from the school itself.

The new GR (BMS-111-1173-G) was issued by Additional Secretary J L Patel on July 1, a copy of which was given to the media on Monday.

Patel said: “Such was the intensity of the problem that complaints by parents were pouring in like anything. But simply agitating against the system would not have yielded any results and that is when I decided to gather documentary evidence which convinced the Chief Minister and the top officials in the Education Department to take concrete action against private schools.”

He said parents will have to come forward to fight the malpractice by the private schools.

A GR issued in 1997 had laid down the tuition fees, term fees and the minimum fees for private schools. Out of the total income, 80 per cent was to be used for educational and non-educational purposes like salaries and the remainder for other expenses of the school.

… contd.

Robin A. Douthitt, longtime dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Human Ecology, will step down in the summer of 2012.

Douthitt

Douthitt says she will continue to serve until a new dean is appointed and the renovation and expansion of the Human Ecology Building is complete.

Chancellor Biddy Martin praised Douthitt’s leadership, creativity and innovation as dean.

“Robin is a passionate, strong and inspiring advocate for the school. She has worked tirelessly and creatively to improve its facilities and its programs,” Martin says. “Robin’s achievements will benefit generations of students, faculty and staff. She is a gifted and forward-looking administrator and a courageous human being.”

A two-year, $52 million addition and renovation to the school began in 2010. It will approximately double the school’s space for education, research, creative exhibitions, and outreach.

Douthitt was appointed dean in 2001, following more than a year of service as interim dean. She came to Wisconsin in 1986 as a faculty member in the Department of Consumer Science, after earning her Ph.D. in microeconomics at Cornell University.

She founded the UW-Madison Women’s Faculty Mentoring Program and served on the University of Wisconsin Athletic Board, where she represented Wisconsin faculty to the Big Ten Conference. Douthitt was named Vaughan Bascom Professor and, in 2000, received the Cabinet 99 Faculty/Staff Recognition Award from the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

As dean, Douthitt spearheaded development and implementation of the building renovation and expansion project.

The new facility will feature a state-of-the-art preschool and adjacent Francis Lehman Family Research Interaction Laboratory, which will be the first on-campus preschool research facility to include infants and young toddlers. Underground parking and a convenient new drop-off area will welcome the public to Human Ecology’s outreach and community events.

Constructed in 1913, the Human Ecology Building has had few renovations since a west wing was added in 1953. Other significant new improvements will be the creation of technology-rich learning environments and gathering spaces that encourage interdisciplinary work and interactions among faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students.

“The completion of the new building marks a natural transition point,” Douthitt says. “I never intended to be seated as dean in the new building.”

Among the achievements Douthitt is most proud of is rebuilding trust within the school. “It’s easy to build a building; it’s hard to build relationships,” she says.

She calls it “a privilege to work with so many outstanding classified and academic staff, faculty, alumni, and friends of the school. It’s particularly been a privilege to serve with Chancellor Martin.”

“Robin Douthitt has made unprecedented contributions to the School of Human Ecology during her years as dean,” says Wendy Way, human ecology associate dean of academic affairs. “Her visionary leadership has sparked marked growth in research productivity, enhanced the quality of the school’s academic programs, and fostered expanded community outreach aligned with the School’s mission-to improve the quality of human life. Our new facility will provide the physical foundation within which the school can continue to flourish in the years ahead.

“I can’t imagine the school without her,” Way adds. “But it is clear she will be leaving it in a wonderful place for the leaders who will succeed her.”

During Douthitt’s term as dean, gift funds to the school totaled $31.9 million. Grants for research and other scholarship grew from $206,732 in 2001 to $6.7 million this year and a projected $15.1 million in 2012 — a 75-fold total projected increase.

Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Steven Pearlstein; Hank Gilman
Receives Lawrence Minard Editor Award

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Journalists from across the nation gathered tonight at Capitale for the
2011 Gerald Loeb Awards Banquet. The Loeb Awards are among the highest
honors in journalism, recognizing the work of journalists whose
contributions illuminate the world of business, finance and the economy
for readers and viewers around the world.

“Liveblogging Yahoo Earnings Calls in 2010 (They’re Funny!).”

Judy D. Olian, dean of UCLA Anderson School of Management and chairman
of the G. and R. Loeb Foundation, welcomed Loeb Awards honorees and
their guests. CNBC’s Tyler Mathisen, vice president for strategic
editorial initiatives, served as master of ceremonies.

The Loeb Awards includes two special awards for career contributions:
the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to Steven Pearlstein,
associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post, and the Lawrence
Minard Editor Award, which went to Hank Gilman, deputy managing editor
of Fortune. In addition, winners of 13 competition categories were named
at the banquet. Following is a list of the 2011 Loeb Awards recipients.

Large Newspapers Winners
Ben Casselman, Russell Gold,
Douglas A. Blackmon, Vanessa O’Connell, Alexandra Berzon and Ana Campoy
of The Wall Street Journal for “Deep Trouble.”

Medium Small Newspapers Winners (tie)
Michael J.
Berens of The Seattle Times for “Seniors for Sale”; Chris Serres
and Glenn Howatt of Minneapolis Star Tribune for “Hounded
– Debtors and the New Breed of Collectors.”

Magazines Winners
Amanda Bennett and Charles R. Babcock of Bloomberg
Businessweek for “End-of-Life Warning at $618,616 Makes Me Wonder
Was It Worth It.”

Commentary Winner
Paul Krugman of The New York Times for
“Paul Krugman Columns.”

Breaking News Winners
Tom Lauricella, Peter A. McKay, Scott
Patterson, Jenny Strasburg, Robin Sidel, Carolyn Cui and Mary Pilon of The
Wall Street Journal for “Flash Crash.”

Beat Reporting Winners
Daniel Golden, John Hechinger and
John Lauerman of Bloomberg News for “Education Inc.”

News Services Winner
David Evans of Bloomberg News for
“Profiting From Fallen Soldiers.”

Explanatory Winners
David Nicklaus and Tim Logan of St.
Louis Post-Dispatch for “Edifice Complex.”

Online Enterprise Winners
Julia Angwin, Emily Steel, Scott
Thurm, Christina Tsuei, Paul Antonson, Jill Kirschenbaum and Jovi Juan
of The Wall Street Journal for “What They Know.”

Blogging Winner
Kara Swisher of All Things Digital
for “Liveblogging Yahoo Earnings Calls in 2010 (They’re Funny!).”

Personal Finance Winner
Ron Lieber of The New York Times
for “Student Debt.”

Television Enterprise Winners
Mitch Weitzner, Scott Cohn,
Jeff Pohlman, Emily Bodenberg, Steven Banton and Gary Vandenbergh of CNBC
for “Remington Under Fire: A CNBC Investigation.”

Business Books Winner
Sebastian Mallaby of The Penguin
Press for “More Money Than God: Hedge Funds and the Making of a New
Elite.”

The board of trustees of the G. and R. Loeb Foundation and UCLA Anderson
wishes to thank all those who have contributed to the success of the
2011 Loeb Awards. Premium Platinum Sponsor: Wells Fargo; Platinum
Sponsors: Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal; Gold Sponsor: CNBC; Silver
Sponsors: Fleishman-Hillard, Fortune, The New York Times, The Washington
Post; Bronze Sponsors: HBO, Los Angeles Times, Thomson Reuters; Loeb
Associates: Financial Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, USA Today;
Official Hotel: Thompson LES. For more information about the Loeb
Awards, please visit the Loeb Awards website at http://www.loeb.anderson.ucla.edu.

Loeb Awards Final Judges:
RAFAT ALI, Founder, PaidContent.org

AMANDA BENNETT, Executive Editor, Enterprise, Bloomberg
News
MATTHEW BISHOP, New York Bureau Chief, The Economist
GENE
BLOCH, Managing Editor, CNN New York
DAVID BOARDMAN,
Executive Editor, The Seattle Times
CHRYSTIA FREELAND,
Global Editor-at-Large, Thomson Reuters
JOHN HILLKIRK,
Executive Editor, USA Today
LARRY KRAMER, Former Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Marketwatch
GLENN KRAMON,
Assistant Managing Editor, The New York Times
JOANNE
LIPMAN, Columnist, Newsweek / Principal, Surrey Lane Media
TYLER
MATHISEN, Vice President for Strategic Editorial Initiatives, CNBC
MATT
MURRAY, Deputy Managing Editor, National News, The Wall Street
Journal
JUDY D. OLIAN, Dean, UCLA Anderson School of
Management
ALLAN SLOAN, Senior Editor-at-Large, Fortune
RUSS
STANTON, Editor, Los Angeles Times
PAUL STEIGER,
Editor-in-Chief, ProPublica
GILLIAN TETT, U.S. Managing
Editor, Financial Times
JONATHAN WALD, Executive Producer, Piers
Morgan Tonight / Adjunct Professor, Columbia Graduate School of
Journalism

About UCLA Anderson School of Management:
Celebrating 75
years of Business Beyond Usual, UCLA Anderson School of Management is
regarded among the leading business schools in the world. UCLA Anderson
faculty members are globally renowned for their teaching excellence and
research in advancing management thinking. Each year, UCLA Anderson
provides a distinctive approach to management education to more than
1,800 students enrolled in its MBA, Fully-Employed MBA, Executive MBA,
UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA, Master of Financial Engineering, doctoral
and executive education programs. Combining highly selective admissions,
varied and innovative learning programs, and a world-wide network of
39,000 alumni, UCLA Anderson develops and prepares global leaders.

Catch Independence Day fireworks. Here’s a list of some notable Fourth of July fireworks and events.

JUNE 30

White Plains: Celebrate Independence Day — a bit early, we admit — on June 30 at White Plains High School with fireworks, food, children’s entertainment, giant inflatable rides and music by the Billy Joel Tribute Group. There’s plenty of room to bring chairs or spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the stars. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and should run until about 10. Rain date: July 1. The school is at 550 North St. Parking is available at Westchester Avenue corporate lots across from the Bryant Avenue entrance to the high school. For more information, visit www.cityofwhiteplains.com or call the Recreation and Parks Department at 914-422-1336.

JULY 3

Katonah: Pops, Patriots and Fireworks on July 3 stars the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and violinist Charles Yang, in the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts’ Venetian Theater. $20-$40. Half price for ages 15 and under. 8 p.m. 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, 914-232-1252, www.caramoor.org.

Kensico Dam Music Fest and Fireworks: Bring lawn chairs or blankets to Kensico Dam Plaza on July 3 for free shows from the Wanderers (6 p.m.) and the Gerard Carelli Orchestra (8 p.m.). The display starts at about 9:15 p.m. Carpooling is suggested. Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla. 914-864-7275, www.parks.westchestergov.com.

JULY 3, 4

Rye Playland: The pyrotechnics are choreographed to music at Rye Playand on July 3 and July 4. 9: 30 p.m. Playland Parkway, Rye. Check the website for admission and parking prices. www.ryeplayland.com.

JULY 4

Garrison: An All-American Celebration Concert features the 22-piece orchestra the Big Band Sound at Boscobel Restoration on July 4 (rain date: July 11). Fresh grilled food and soft drinks will be for sale and, weather permitting, West Point’s fireworks display will be in clear view. Gates open for picnicking at 6 p.m. Ticket purchases in advance are recommended: 845-265-3638, Ext. 115. $16 adults, $14 seniors, $9 ages 6-14, free for ages 5 and under. 7-9 p.m., 1601 Route 9D, Garrison. www.boscobel.org.

Katonah: An Old-Fashioned 4th of July at Muscoot Farm, July 3. Celebrate America’s holiday by playing old-fashioned games and making ice cream. Free, 1-3 p.m. 51 Route 100, Katonah, 914-864-7282, www.muscootfarm.org.

Katonah: July 4th Jamboree at John at the John Jay Homestead will consist of patriotic music by the American Colonials Fife Drum Band, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, kids’ Colonial games, a pet adoption station, a patriotic pet parade, a beekeeper, a blacksmith, music, food, activities and tours of the historic house. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. $5 ages 13 and up, free age 12 and under for outdoor program; house tours: $7 adults, $5 seniors and students, free for age 11 and under. July 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 400 Jay St., Katonah, 914-232-5651, www.johnjayhomestead.org.

Mamaroneck: Catch one of the county’s splashiest fireworks shows at Harbor Island Park, on the waterfront in Mamaroneck. And don’t worry about finding a parking spot near the park — you’ll get a great view anywhere along Mamaroneck Avenue. Dusk, July 4; rain date July 5. Boston Post Road, at the intersection of Mamaroneck Avenue. 914-777-7763, www.village.mamaroneck.ny.us.

Mount Vernon: St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site hosts a traditional July Fourth celebration featuring music, speeches, refreshments, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a tolling of the church’s bell. Free, 10:30 a.m., 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon, 914-667-4116, www.nps.gov/sapa.

New Rochelle: An annual event, held on July 4th, The Grucci Brothers present “Spark the Sound” – fireworks and music at Five Islands Park. Starts at 9 p.m. and fireworks are visible from all the waterfront parks.

Peekskill: The Peekskill Fire Department hosts a full night of fun activities, music and fireworks on July 4. Spectacle seekers are urged to get there early because parking is on a first come, first serve basis. Along with the fireworks, there’s a concert at the waterfront at 7 p.m. and food vendors will be onsite, too, beginning at 4 p.m. and remaining open until 9 p.m. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Located at Riverfront Green Park, Route 9 and Hudson Avenue.

Tarrytown: Independence Day 1851 at the historic site Sunnyside: Experience a traditional celebration with activities that include ice cream-making demonstrations, period music, traditional country dancing and the 19th century’s version of baseball. You can also tour the house, which belonged to Washington Irving. Bring a picnic or buy food in the Courtyard Cafe. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. W. Sunnyside Lane, Tarrytown, 914-631-8200, www.hudsonvalley.org.

West Point: Where better to celebrate our nation’s freedom than at an institution devoted to its preservation? The West Point Band’s Independence Day Concert with Fireworks Display is set for 8 p.m., July 4 (raindate July 5) at spectacular Trophy Point, with a commanding view of the Hudson. Leave plenty of time to clear security, which is tight. Show up early and tour the museum (open 10:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.), the visitors center (open 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.) and the campus. OK, it’s tough getting out after the concert, but music fans and fireworks fans will have plenty to float home on, including the Concert Band’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Army Strong” (the song you hear on Army commercials) accompanied by cannons. There will also be a performance by the band’s rock group, Benny Havens Band. Boom! Become a West Point Band fan on Facebook for updates. www.westpoint.edu/band. 845-938-2617.