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1、Unit 14Unit 14High Stakes Are for TomatoesHigh Stakes Are for Tomatoes Peter Schrag High Stakes Are for Tomatoes: High (wooden) posts are good to support tomato plants from falling down. But here high stakes is a pun（双关语）双关语） and also refers to high stakes examinations. It can mean that the standard
2、ized tests cause a lot of failures and they are not good for students.抗议高风险考试抗议高风险考试Peter Schrag a longtime education writer and editoreditor of the Sacramento Bees editorial pages for 19 yearswrites frequently about education policyretired in 2001 Background informationPeter Schrag now a Bee Contri
3、buting Editor and is at work on a book about Californias political culture over the last 30 years. his recent books include Paradise Lost: Californias Experience, Americas Future(1998).Background informationIntroduction to the text With education rising to the top of the national agenda, American sc
4、hool reform has focused on two related objectives: more stringent(严格的严格的) academic standards and increasingly rigorous(苛刻的苛刻的) accountability(责任责任) for both students and schools. In state after state, legislatures, governors, and state boards, supported by business leaders, have imposed tougher requ
5、irements on students and have, at the same time, held teachers accountable for students performance on tests. All students are required to pass the high stakes tests, score of which will decide their graduation or their promotion in grade. In some states funding for individual schools and for teache
6、rs and principals salaries depends on how well students do on tests. The statewide testing of students, however, with penalties for failure, has run into opposition from parents and teachers across the political spectrum(范围范围). Though politicians and business leaders in general strongly support high
7、er standard and greater accountability, students, teachers and some of the parents have begun to fight against the high stakes tests. In Massachusetts some 300 students boycotted(联合抵制联合抵制) the MCAS tests while in Wisconsin middle-class parents pressed the legislature to stop funding the exit examina
8、tion in 2000. In Ohio some groups of parents and activists are circulating petitions(请请愿愿) to amend or repeal(废除废除) the states testing laws. The backlash(强烈的反响强烈的反响), touching virtually every state that has instituted high-stakes testing, arises from kinds of complaints: that the focus on testing an
9、d obsessive test preparation is killing creativity; that the tests are unfair to poor and minority students; that the tests overstress young children, or that they are too long or too tough or simply not good enough. Though some of the backlash comes from conservatives many more of the protesters ar
10、e education liberals, who believe that children should be free to discover things for themselves and they should not be stifled(窒息窒息) by tests. The anti-testing backlash seems to work together, for example in early 1999 some 600 test critics attended a national conference on high-stakes testing at C
11、olumbia Universitys Teachers College, to discuss effects, alternatives, and strategies. The boycotting students are among the most articulate(发音发音清晰的清晰的) critics of the tests. Beyond doubt the movement is a long way from achieving critical mass because the boycotts are still small, and polls continu
12、e to show that 72 percent of Americans and 79 percent of parents support tougher academic standards and oppose social promotion. Anyhow people are still worried that if more students fail the backlash can be stronger, which might endanger the whole system. According to the author the government and
13、the advocates should provide more than one standard for graduation, and bolster(支持支持) publics understanding of the reform so as to make the system work. The essay is well organized with persuasive evidences and accurate wording, and it again shows us the author is good at dealing with educational ma
14、tters.The Statewide testing of students, with penalties for failure, has run into opposition from parents across the political spectrum. run into opposition受到受到/遭到反对遭到反对 参考译文参考译文:由于对考试不及格者的处罚，州统考在由于对考试不及格者的处罚，州统考在政治领域已遭到学生家长的反对。政治领域已遭到学生家长的反对。Para.1. By now its hardly news that as education has rise
15、n to the top of the national agenda, a great wave some would say a frenzy of school reform has focused on two related objectives: more-stringent academic standards and increasingly rigorous accountability for both students and schools. education has risen to the top of the national agenda education
16、has become the most important thing of the country a frenzy of: a state of violent mental agitation or wild excitement 狂乱狂乱 - 一种狂烈的精神骚动或疯狂的一种狂烈的精神骚动或疯狂的状态；狂暴状态；狂暴a frenzy of enthusiasm 狂热狂热In a frenzy of hate he killed his enemy and revenged his father.在恨之入骨的冲动下在恨之入骨的冲动下,他把仇人杀了他把仇人杀了,为为他父亲报了仇。他父亲报了仇
17、。agenda / / n. a list or program of things to be done or considerede.g. There were several important items on the agenda. Thats been on my agenda for three weeks and I still havent done it.rigorous / / a. careful, thorough, and exact; very severe or strict e.g. She has a scientifically rigorous appr
18、oach. Its a rigorous survival course in the mountains.accountability / / n. responsibility; obligation e.g. There were furious demands for greater police accountability. Both public schools and private voucher schools( 私立学校私立学校) receive taxpayers dollars, yet the private schools get to play by diffe
19、rent rules and avoid public accountability.Para.1. By now its hardly news that as education has risen to the top of the national agenda, a great wave some would say a frenzy of school reform has focused on two related objectives: more-stringent academic standards and increasingly rigorous accountabi
20、lity for both students and schools. 参考译文参考译文:随着教育被提到国家重要的议事日程上，学校改随着教育被提到国家重要的议事日程上，学校改革的浪潮（有些人称之为狂潮），集中在两个相革的浪潮（有些人称之为狂潮），集中在两个相关的目标上：学术标准更加严格以及对学生和学关的目标上：学术标准更加严格以及对学生和学校应负的责任日渐苛求，就目前而言，这一点已校应负的责任日渐苛求，就目前而言，这一点已算不上什么新闻了。算不上什么新闻了。Para. 2. In state after state, legislatures, governors, and state boa
21、rds, supported by business leaders, have imposed tougher requirements in math, English, science, and other fields, together with new tests by which the performance of both students and schools is to be judged. Para. 2. In state after state, legislatures, governors, and state boards, supported by bus
22、iness leaders, have imposed tougher requirements in math, English, science, and other fields, together with new tests by which the performance of both students and schools is to be judged. 参考译文参考译文:各州的立法机构、州长和教育委员会在商界要人各州的立法机构、州长和教育委员会在商界要人的支持下，对数学、英语、科学和其它课程提出的支持下，对数学、英语、科学和其它课程提出更苛刻的要求，并辅之以新型的考试，依
23、据考试更苛刻的要求，并辅之以新型的考试，依据考试成绩对学生和学校作出评价。成绩对学生和学校作出评价。Para. 2. In some places students have already been denied diplomas or held back in grade if they failed these tests. hold back 阻止阻止 (= keep back);抑制（情感、抑制（情感、情绪）情绪） (= hold in, keep back)No one can hold back the wheel of history.谁也无法阻止历史车轮的前进。谁也无法阻止历
24、史车轮的前进。The boss was unable to hold back his anger any longer. (喻喻)老板再也抑制不住怒火了。老板再也抑制不住怒火了。Para. 2. In some places students have already been denied diplomas or held back in grade if they failed these tests. 参考译文参考译文:好些地方已经有学生考试不及格而没拿到好些地方已经有学生考试不及格而没拿到毕业证或被迫留级的情况。毕业证或被迫留级的情况。Para. 2In some states fu
25、nding for individual schools and for teachers and principals salaries and in some, such as Virginia, the accreditation of schools will depend on how well students do on tests. accreditation / / n. official approval for a person or organization; official recognition of meeting a standarde.g. The coll
26、ege was given full accreditation in 1965. She has had her accreditation withdrawn by the authorities.Para. 2In some states funding for individual schools and for teachers and principals salaries and in some, such as Virginia, the accreditation of schools will depend on how well students do on tests.
27、 参考译文参考译文:在一些州，每个学校的资金、老师和校长薪金在一些州，每个学校的资金、老师和校长薪金 并且在有些州，诸如弗吉尼亚州，学校并且在有些州，诸如弗吉尼亚州，学校的资格认证的资格认证 都取决于学生的考试情况。都取决于学生的考试情况。Para. 2More than half the states now require tests for student promotion or graduation.Para. 2More than half the states now require tests for student promotion or graduation.参考译文参考
28、译文:现在已有超过半数的州要求用考试成绩现在已有超过半数的州要求用考试成绩决定学生的升级和毕业。决定学生的升级和毕业。Para. 3But a backlash has begun. 参考译文参考译文:但是强烈的反冲已初露端倪。但是强烈的反冲已初露端倪。backlash / / n. a strong but usu. delayed reaction against recent events, esp. against political or social developments e.g. White backlash increases as the pressure for cha
29、nge in South Africa mounts(增加增加). The rise in violent crimes provoked(挑起挑起) a backlash against the liberal gun-control laws.Para. 4 In Massachusetts this spring some 300 students, with the support of parents, teachers, and community activists, boycotted the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Sys
30、tem (MCAS) tests (“Be a hero, take a zero”) and demanded that if students had good enough records or showed other evidence of achievement, they be allowed to graduate even if they hadnt passed the test.boycott / / v. act together in abstaining from(放弃放弃) using, buying, or dealing with as an expressi
31、on of protest or disfavor or as a means of coercion(强强迫迫) e.g. The people who work there are on strike to boycott a biotechnology conference. The committee decided to boycott all products tested on animals.Be a hero, take a zeroShow your courage and protest by deliberately failing the tests参考译文参考译文:
32、今年（今年（2000年）春天，在马萨诸塞州约年）春天，在马萨诸塞州约有有300名学生在家长、教师和社区活动名学生在家长、教师和社区活动分子的支持下，联合抵制了综合评估系分子的支持下，联合抵制了综合评估系统考试（统考试（“是好汉，考鸭蛋是好汉，考鸭蛋”）。他们）。他们提出要求说，学生如有良好的学习记录提出要求说，学生如有良好的学习记录或有其它成就表现，纵使考试不及格，或有其它成就表现，纵使考试不及格，也应允许他们毕业。也应允许他们毕业。Para. 4 Last November, after a strong majority of students failed the test, the s
33、tate board of education lowered the score for passing to the level that the state designated as “needs improvement.” designate / v. to indicate or specify; point out; to give a name or title to 指定；指出；指定；指出；命名命名 e.g. He designated Smith as his successor. He was designated by the President as the next
34、 Secretary of State(国务卿国务卿).Para. 4 Last November, after a strong majority of students failed the test, the state board of education lowered the score for passing to the level that the state designated as “needs improvement.”参考译文参考译文:去年（去年（1999年）年）11月，大多数学生考试撞了红月，大多数学生考试撞了红灯，州教育委员会为此将及格线降至原本设定为灯，州教育
35、委员会为此将及格线降至原本设定为“有待改进有待改进”的水平。的水平。 Para. 5 In Wisconsin last year the legislature, pressed by middle-class parents, refused to fund the exit examination that the state had approved just two years earlier. the exit examination: the test which students take to decide if they will graduate according to
36、 their scores. In the text “exit” means leaving, graduating.毕业考试毕业考试 Para. 5 In Wisconsin last year the legislature, pressed by middle-class parents, refused to fund the exit examination that the state had approved just two years earlier. 参考译文参考译文:去年在威斯康辛州，立法机构迫于中产阶级家去年在威斯康辛州，立法机构迫于中产阶级家长们的压力，拒绝给该州政
37、府两年前批准的毕长们的压力，拒绝给该州政府两年前批准的毕业考试拨款。业考试拨款。Para. 5After an extended battle with Governor Tommy Thompson, who has been a national leader in the push for higher standards and greater accountability, a compromise was reached under which student achievement would be assessed on a variety of criteria. reach
38、 a compromise 达成妥协达成妥协assess / v. determine the value, significance, or extent of; appraise e.g. The annual income of school teachers in this place was assessed at900. It is still early and difficult to assess the effect on the country which just acceded to the WTO last December.Para. 5After an exte
39、nded battle with Governor Tommy Thompson, who has been a national leader in the push for higher standards and greater accountability, a compromise was reached under which student achievement would be assessed on a variety of criteria.参考译文参考译文:该州州长汤米该州州长汤米汤普森是鼓吹汤普森是鼓吹“更高标准、更大更高标准、更大责任责任”运动的领导人。在与之进行了
40、一番持久的运动的领导人。在与之进行了一番持久的较量之后，最终达成妥协：评定学生成绩可有多较量之后，最终达成妥协：评定学生成绩可有多重标准。重标准。 Para. 5Failing the exam would not result in the automatic denial of a diploma. Para. 5Failing the exam would not result in the automatic denial of a diploma. 参考译文参考译文:学生考试不及格并不一定由此而失去文学生考试不及格并不一定由此而失去文凭。凭。 Para. 6In Virginia t
41、his spring parents, teachers, and school administrators opposed to the states Standards of Learning assessments, established in 1998, inspired a flurry of bills in the legislature that called for revising the tests or their status as unavoidable hurdles for promotion and graduation. inspire / v. sti
42、mulate to action; motivate e.g. A sales force was inspired by the prospect of a bonus. In conclusion, I hope this success will inspire you to great efforts.a flurry of 一阵一阵(象风似的象风似的,突发的突发的)a flurry of interest in the new product对新产品突发的兴趣对新产品突发的兴趣a flurry of activity when the plane landed飞机降落时的一阵骚动飞机
43、降落时的一阵骚动Para. 6In Virginia this spring parents, teachers, and school administrators opposed to the states Standards of Learning assessments, established in 1998, inspired a flurry of bills in the legislature that called for revising the tests or their status as unavoidable hurdles for promotion and
44、graduation.参考译文参考译文:今年春天，在弗吉尼亚州，家长、教师连同学校的行政管今年春天，在弗吉尼亚州，家长、教师连同学校的行政管理人员一起，反对理人员一起，反对1998年出台的学习评估标准考试，在年出台的学习评估标准考试，在立法机关刮起一阵议案旋风，要求修改考试或改变其作为立法机关刮起一阵议案旋风，要求修改考试或改变其作为升级和毕业不可逾越障碍的现状。升级和毕业不可逾越障碍的现状。Para. 6One bill would also have required that each new member of the state board of education “take th
45、e eighth grade Standards of Learning assessments in English, mathematics, science, and social sciences” and that “the results of such assessments . be publicly reported.” Para. 6One bill would also have required that each new member of the state board of education “take the eighth grade Standards of
46、 Learning assessments in English, mathematics, science, and social sciences” and that “the results of such assessments . be publicly reported.” 参考译文参考译文:有一个议案还要求州教育委员会的每个新成员都要参加有一个议案还要求州教育委员会的每个新成员都要参加英文、数学、自然科学和社会科学的八级学习评估标准英文、数学、自然科学和社会科学的八级学习评估标准考试，并将考试结果公之于众。考试，并将考试结果公之于众。 Para. 6 None of the bi
47、lls passed, but theres little doubt that if the system isnt revised and the states high failure rates dont decrease by 2004, when the first Virginia seniors may be denied diplomas, the political pressure will intensify. Para. 6 None of the bills passed, but theres little doubt that if the system isn
48、t revised and the states high failure rates dont decrease by 2004, when the first Virginia seniors may be denied diplomas, the political pressure will intensify. 参考译文参考译文:这些议案都没有获得通过，但是几乎可以肯定，如果考这些议案都没有获得通过，但是几乎可以肯定，如果考试制度仍不修改的话，如果到试制度仍不修改的话，如果到2004年该州的不及格率依年该州的不及格率依然居高不下然居高不下, 届时首批弗吉尼亚州的高中毕业生也许拿届时首
49、批弗吉尼亚州的高中毕业生也许拿不到毕业文凭，那么来自政治方面的压力就会日趋剧烈。不到毕业文凭，那么来自政治方面的压力就会日趋剧烈。Para. 6 Meanwhile, some parents are talking about Massachusetts-style boycotts. Para. 6 Meanwhile, some parents are talking about Massachusetts-style boycotts.参考译文参考译文:与此同时，有些家长正在议论马萨诸塞与此同时，有些家长正在议论马萨诸塞州式的抗考行动。州式的抗考行动。 Para. 7In Ohio,
50、where beginning next year fourth-graders who fail the Ohio Proficiency Tests will be held back, a growing coalition of parents and teachersmembers of the Freedom in Education Alliance, Parents Against Unfair Proficiency Testing, and other groups-are circulating petitions to place a referendum on the
51、 ballot to amend or repeal the states testing laws. circulate /：/ v. cause to move about or be distributed; spread e.g. Some students volunteered to circulate these fliers(传单传单) for the conference. Gossip tends to circulate quickly.amend / v. alter (a legislative measure, for example) formally by ad
52、ding, deleting, or rephrasing; change for better e.g. The legislators are working hard to amend the earlier proposal so as to make it more comprehensive. The teacher advised him to amend his way of living.repeal / / v. withdraw (a law, etc) officially; make no longer a law e.g. It is high time that
53、this grossly unfair law was repealed. Some of the religious leaders in our city are organizing a campaign to repeal the abortion law. place a referendum on sth.对对进行全民公决进行全民公决参考译文参考译文:在俄亥俄州，从下年度开始四年级学生要是俄亥在俄亥俄州，从下年度开始四年级学生要是俄亥俄州水平考试不及格，就得留级。越来越多的家俄州水平考试不及格，就得留级。越来越多的家长和教师长和教师 他们是教育自由联盟、反对不公他们是教育自由联盟、
54、反对不公平水平考试家长协会和其他一些团体的成员平水平考试家长协会和其他一些团体的成员 联合起来，到处散发请愿书，要求就修改或废止联合起来，到处散发请愿书，要求就修改或废止州的考试法进行全民公决。州的考试法进行全民公决。 Para. 8 In New York a policy requiring that all students pass Regents examinations in a variety of subjects in order to graduate is increasingly the subject of controversy. controversy /：/ n
55、. a dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views e.g. a subject of controversy 一个颇多争议的话题一个颇多争议的话题 without controversy 无可争议无可争议 give rise to much controversy 引起许多争论引起许多争论Para. 8 In New York a policy requiring that all students pass Regents examinations in a variety of subjec
56、ts in order to graduate is increasingly the subject of controversy. 参考译文参考译文: 在纽约州，有一项政策正日渐成为争在纽约州，有一项政策正日渐成为争议的焦点。该政策要求所有学生必须在多项科目议的焦点。该政策要求所有学生必须在多项科目上都通过州评议会的考试才能毕业。上都通过州评议会的考试才能毕业。Para. 8 Three former members of the State Board of Regents who helped to develop the policy issued a position paper
57、earlier this year saying that they had never expected that all students would be held to a single standard, and calling for a re-examination of the policy. position paper 意见书意见书a detailed policy report that usually explains, justifies, or recommends a particular course of action.立场声明通常进行解释、证明或推荐特立场声
58、明通常进行解释、证明或推荐特定行动的详细的策略报告定行动的详细的策略报告Para. 8 Three former members of the State Board of Regents who helped to develop the policy issued a position paper earlier this year saying that they had never expected that all students would be held to a single standard, and calling for a re-examination of the
59、policy. 参考译文参考译文:三个曾经参与制定这项政策的前州教育评议会成三个曾经参与制定这项政策的前州教育评议会成员今年早些时候发表了一份意见书，声称他们从员今年早些时候发表了一份意见书，声称他们从未打算用一个简单的标准去衡量所有的学生，他未打算用一个简单的标准去衡量所有的学生，他们提出重新检讨这项政策。们提出重新检讨这项政策。Para. 8 “The thinking when I voted for the test requirement was that everyone would take the exams,” one of them told The New York Ti
60、mes, “but you could get a diploma through other channels.” Para. 8 “The thinking when I voted for the test requirement was that everyone would take the exams,” one of them told The New York Times, “but you could get a diploma through other channels.”参考译文参考译文:其中一人对其中一人对纽约时报纽约时报说：说：“（当我投票赞成（当我投票赞成考试要求
61、时，）我的想法是每个人必须参加考试，考试要求时，）我的想法是每个人必须参加考试，但你亦可以通过其它渠道获得文凭。但你亦可以通过其它渠道获得文凭。” Para. 9The backlash, touching virtually every state that has instituted high-stakes testing, arises from a spectrum of complaints: that the focus on testing and obsessive test preparation, sometimes beginning in kindergarten,
62、is killing innovative teaching and curricula and driving out good teachers; that (conversely) the standards on which the tests are based are too vague, or that students have not been taught the material on which the tests are based; that the tests are unfair to poor and minority students, or to othe
63、rs who lack test-taking skills; that the tests overstress young children, or that they are too long (in Massachusetts they can take thirteen to seventeen hours) or too tough or simply not good enough. arise from: come from; be caused by e.g. We should go on to discuss the matters arising from the la
64、st meeting. Soon after the doctor arrived in the tribe he found that the most of the diseases in the area arose from malnutrition(营养不良营养不良).obsessive / / a. excessive in degree or nature e.g. She was overwhelmed with an obsessive need to win, so she could hardly compromise with her life. Maggie woul
65、dnt dine out with us as she is becoming obsessive about hygiene(卫生卫生). 参考译文参考译文:几乎每一个发起使用高风险考试的州都遭遇到强几乎每一个发起使用高风险考试的州都遭遇到强烈的反应。这种冲击源自于各方面的抱怨：对考烈的反应。这种冲击源自于各方面的抱怨：对考试的关注以及过分准备，有时从幼儿园就开始了，试的关注以及过分准备，有时从幼儿园就开始了，扼杀了创意的教学方法与课程设置，排挤了一批扼杀了创意的教学方法与课程设置，排挤了一批优秀教师；（相反地，）考试所依据的标准太模优秀教师；（相反地，）考试所依据的标准太模糊，考试所涉及的
66、内容都是学生没有学过的；这糊，考试所涉及的内容都是学生没有学过的；这些考试对贫困生和少数民族学生或缺乏应试技能些考试对贫困生和少数民族学生或缺乏应试技能的学生都是不公平的；考试给年幼的儿童带来了的学生都是不公平的；考试给年幼的儿童带来了过重的负担，考试时间过长（例如，马萨诸塞州过重的负担，考试时间过长（例如，马萨诸塞州的考试时间长达的考试时间长达13到到17个小时），考题难度太大个小时），考题难度太大或设计不当。或设计不当。 Para. 9In Massachusetts, according to students protesting MCAS, some students designa
67、ted as needing improvement outscored half their peers on national standardized tests. Para. 9In Massachusetts, according to students protesting MCAS, some students designated as needing improvement outscored half their peers on national standardized tests.参考译文参考译文:在马萨诸塞州，据抗议在马萨诸塞州，据抗议“马萨诸塞州综合评价马萨诸塞州
68、综合评价体系体系”考试的学生说，一些曾被定为学业欠佳考试的学生说，一些曾被定为学业欠佳的学生在国家标准化考试中，他们的成绩反而的学生在国家标准化考试中，他们的成绩反而比一半的同级生都要高。比一半的同级生都要高。Para. 9“Testing season is upon us,” says Mickey VanDerwerker, a leader of Parents Across Virginia United to Reform SOL, “and a lot of kids are so nervous theyre throwing up.”throw up: vomit 呕吐呕吐P
69、ara. 9“Testing season is upon us,” says Mickey VanDerwerker, a leader of Parents Across Virginia United to Reform SOL, “and a lot of kids are so nervous theyre throwing up.”参考译文参考译文:全弗吉尼亚州家长联合改革全弗吉尼亚州家长联合改革SOL协会的负协会的负责人米基责人米基凡德瓦克说：凡德瓦克说：“考试的季节已考试的季节已向我们逼近了，有许多孩子紧张得呕吐。向我们逼近了，有许多孩子紧张得呕吐。”Para. 9In Oak
70、land, California, a protest organizer named Susan Harman is selling T-shirts proclaiming HIGH STAKES ARE FOR TOMATOES. Para. 9In Oakland, California, a protest organizer named Susan Harman is selling T-shirts proclaiming HIGH STAKES ARE FOR TOMATOES. 参考译文参考译文:在加利福尼亚州的奥克兰市，有一位名叫在加利福尼亚州的奥克兰市，有一位名叫苏珊苏珊
71、哈曼的抗议活动组织者出售的哈曼的抗议活动组织者出售的T恤衫恤衫上印着上印着“抗议高风险考试抗议高风险考试”的字样。的字样。 Para. 10Some of the backlash comes from conservatives who a decade ago battled state-imposed programs that they regarded as anti-family exercises in political correctness. Para. 10Some of the backlash comes from conservatives who a decade
72、 ago battled state-imposed programs that they regarded as anti-family exercises in political correctness.参考译文参考译文: 还有一些冲击来自那些保守派成员。十年前他还有一些冲击来自那些保守派成员。十年前他们曾经为州政府硬性规定的政策规划斗争过，们曾经为州政府硬性规定的政策规划斗争过，因为他们认为在政治改革中这些规划是反家庭因为他们认为在政治改革中这些规划是反家庭的行为。的行为。Para. 10Although she has always thought of herself as a “
73、bleeding-heart liberal,” Mary OBrien, a parent in Ohio who calls herself “an accidental activist” and is the leader of the statewide petition drive against the Ohio Proficiency Tests, complains that the state has no business trying to control local school curricula. a bleeding-heart liberal: a perso
74、n showing pity or concern for poor people, or criminals in a way that you think is not practical or helpful e.g. Our granny is a bleeding-heart liberal she dare not even kill a fish.have no business: have no right or reason; behave wrongly e.g. Youve no business to be here- this is private property.
75、 He was very drunk and had no business driving.Para. 10Although she has always thought of herself as a “bleeding-heart liberal,” Mary OBrien, a parent in Ohio who calls herself “an accidental activist” and is the leader of the statewide petition drive against the Ohio Proficiency Tests, complains th
76、at the state has no business trying to control local school curricula.参考译文参考译文:来自俄亥俄州的家长玛丽来自俄亥俄州的家长玛丽奥布莱恩是这次反对奥布莱恩是这次反对俄亥俄州水平测试请愿运动的带头人，自称是偶俄亥俄州水平测试请愿运动的带头人，自称是偶然参与到这次运动的积极份子。尽管她一直自认然参与到这次运动的积极份子。尽管她一直自认为是一位菩萨心肠的自由主义人士，她指责说，为是一位菩萨心肠的自由主义人士，她指责说，政府无权操纵当地学校的课程设置。政府无权操纵当地学校的课程设置。 Para. 10In suburban Ma
77、ryland this spring some parents kept their children out of school on test days, because they regard the Maryland School Performance and Assessment Program as a waste of time. Para. 10In suburban Maryland this spring some parents kept their children out of school on test days, because they regard the
78、 Maryland School Performance and Assessment Program as a waste of time. 参考译文参考译文:今年春天在马里兰州郊区，一些家长不让他们的今年春天在马里兰州郊区，一些家长不让他们的孩子在考试期间去上学，因为他们认为，马里兰孩子在考试期间去上学，因为他们认为，马里兰州的学校业绩评估考试是浪费时间。州的学校业绩评估考试是浪费时间。Para. 10They complain that it is used only to evaluate schools, not studentsthereby objecting to almost
79、 precisely what parents in some other states are demanding. Para. 10They complain that it is used only to evaluate schools, not studentsthereby objecting to almost precisely what parents in some other states are demanding. 参考译文参考译文:他们认为，这个考试是用来考学校而不他们认为，这个考试是用来考学校而不是考学生的，这样，他们反对的东西几是考学生的，这样，他们反对的东西几
80、乎正是其他州的父母们强烈要求的东西。乎正是其他州的父母们强烈要求的东西。Para. 10“Its more beneficial to have my child in his seat in the fifth grade practicing long division,” one Maryland parent told a Washington Post reporter. Para. 10“Its more beneficial to have my child in his seat in the fifth grade practicing long division,” one
81、 Maryland parent told a Washington Post reporter. 参考译文参考译文:一位马里兰的家长告诉一位马里兰的家长告诉华盛顿邮报华盛顿邮报的记者的记者:“让我的孩子呆在五年级的教室里练习多位让我的孩子呆在五年级的教室里练习多位数除法数除法,也许比进行测验更有好处。也许比进行测验更有好处。” Para. 11But many more of the protestersparents, teachers, and school administratorsare education liberals: progressive followers of Jo
82、hn Dewey, who believe that children should be allowed to discover things for themselves and not be constrained by “drill-and-kill” rote learning. constrain / / v. keep within close bounds; confine; restrain e.g. His life was constrained by his habit of keeping to the same few activities and friends.
83、 Cold weather constrained the plants growth.rote / / a. a method of learning that involves repeating sth until one remembers it, without having to understand it 死记硬背死记硬背 e.g. The company sought nothing more than rote agreement. He learned the work by rote.Para. 11But many more of the protestersparen
84、ts, teachers, and school administratorsare education liberals: progressive followers of John Dewey, who believe that children should be allowed to discover things for themselves and not be constrained by “drill-and-kill” rote learning. 参考译文参考译文: 但是更多的抗议者但是更多的抗议者包括家长、老师和学校包括家长、老师和学校行政管理人员行政管理人员崇信教育自由
85、主义，推崇教崇信教育自由主义，推崇教育家约翰育家约翰杜威杜威, 他们认为应该让孩子们自己他们认为应该让孩子们自己去发现事物去发现事物, 而不该用机械操练而不该用机械操练, 死记硬背的死记硬背的方式来桎梏他们。方式来桎梏他们。Para. 11They worry that the tests are stifling students and teachers. Most come from suburbs with good, even excellent, schools. stifle / / v. prevent sth from happening or developing; sto
86、p someone from breathing or from being able to breathe comfortablye.g. He threw a blanket over the burning frying pan to stifle the flames. He was almost stifled by the fumes.Para. 11They worry that the tests are stifling students and teachers. Most come from suburbs with good, even excellent, schoo
87、ls.参考译文参考译文: 他们担心考试正在扼杀学生和老师的创造他们担心考试正在扼杀学生和老师的创造性。这些学生和老师大部分来自郊区，那性。这些学生和老师大部分来自郊区，那儿有良好甚至优秀的学校。儿有良好甚至优秀的学校。 Para. 11Instead of the tests they want open-ended exercises portfolios of essays, art and science projects, and other “authentic assessments”that in their view more genuinely measure what a
88、student really knows and can do. open-ended: without a fixed ending time; not having rules that limit or restrict anything e.g. Take it easy, this interview will be fairly open-ended in format. Finally both parties only reached an open-ended settlement.prolific / / a. fertile; very productive; produ
89、cing abundant works or resultse.g. Her performance enabled her to develop a prolific recording career. He was probably the most prolific song-writer of his generation.Para. 11Instead of the tests they want open-ended exercisesportfolios of essays, art and science projects, and other “authentic asses
90、sments”that in their view more genuinely measure what a student really knows and can do. 参考译文参考译文:他们要求，不用考试，而是用开放式的练习方式他们要求，不用考试，而是用开放式的练习方式教育孩子教育孩子 如写作、艺术和科学项目以及其如写作、艺术和科学项目以及其他他“真实的评估真实的评估”方法方法 在他们看来，这些在他们看来，这些方式能够更真实地衡量学生真正所学的知识和技方式能够更真实地衡量学生真正所学的知识和技能。能。 Para. 11They have gotten strong reinforce
91、ment from, among others, FairTest, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which opposes standardized testing; Senator Paul Wellstone, of Minnesota, who is sponsoring an anti-testing bill in Congress; Alfie Kohn, a prolific writer and polemicist who argues that the standards movement is a travesty that has “tu
92、rned teachers into drill sergeants” in the traditionalist belief that “making people suffer always produces the best results”; and Gerald Bracey, an education researcher and a critic of the widespread belief that U.S. students are far behind their peers overseas, which has given impetus to the stand
93、ards movement. travesty / / n. sth which fails to represent the values and qualities that is intended to represent, in a way that is shocking or offensive; an absurd example or representation 歪歪曲曲;滑稽的模仿滑稽的模仿e.g. His account of my essay was a travesty. The trial was virtually a travesty of justice.Th
94、ey have gotten strong reinforcement from * FairTest, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which opposes standardized testing; * Senator Paul Wellstone, of Minnesota, who is sponsoring an anti-testing bill in Congress; * Alfie Kohn, a prolific writer and polemicist who argues that the standards movement is a
95、 travesty that has “turned teachers into drill sergeants” in the traditionalist belief that “making people suffer always produces the best results”; *Gerald Bracey, an education researcher and a critic of the widespread belief that U.S. students are far behind their peers overseas, which has given i
96、mpetus to the standards movement. 参考译文参考译文:这些人已得到来自其他各方面的强有力支持这些人已得到来自其他各方面的强有力支持, 如如马萨诸塞州卡布里奇市旨在反对标准化考试而设马萨诸塞州卡布里奇市旨在反对标准化考试而设立的立的“公平测试公平测试”; 明尼苏达州参议员保罗明尼苏达州参议员保罗 威威尔斯顿正在国会中支持通过一个反考试的议案尔斯顿正在国会中支持通过一个反考试的议案; 多产作家和辩论家阿尔菲多产作家和辩论家阿尔菲康认为，标准化考试康认为，标准化考试是扭曲而谬误的，它是扭曲而谬误的，它“把教师变成了训练官把教师变成了训练官”，他们死抱传统观念，以为他们
97、死抱传统观念，以为“吃得苦中苦，方为人吃得苦中苦，方为人上人上人”；杰拉尔德；杰拉尔德布雷希，是一名教育研究员，布雷希，是一名教育研究员，他对当前广为流行的看法提出了批评，这种观点他对当前广为流行的看法提出了批评，这种观点认为美国学生的能力远逊于他国同龄学生，标准认为美国学生的能力远逊于他国同龄学生，标准化运动实在是不得已而为之的。化运动实在是不得已而为之的。Para. 12The anti-testing backlash is beginning to cohere as an integrated national effort. cohere / v. stick or hold to
98、gether in a mass that resists separation; cause to form a united, orderly, and aesthetically consistent whole e.g. Without sound reasoning no argument will cohere. The critic said the much-hyped movie did not turn out to be well received because it failed to cohere as a whole.Para. 12The anti-testin
99、g backlash is beginning to cohere as an integrated national effort. 参考译文参考译文: 反对考试的冲击开始形成一股全国性的反对考试的冲击开始形成一股全国性的力量。力量。Para. 12Earlier this year some 600 test critics attended a national conference on high-stakes testing at Columbia Universitys Teachers College, to discuss effects, alternatives, and
100、strategies: how to get the attention of legislators; what kinds of cases would be suited to civil-rights litigation; what assessments ensure accountability; how to achieve higher standards without high-stakes tests. litigation / n. the process of going to law; lawsuite.g. Both sides agreed to the se
101、ttlement to avoid the expense of litigation. It was not unusual for the bank to be involved in litigation over failed companies.参考译文参考译文:今年早些时候有今年早些时候有600位考试批位考试批评家参加了在哥伦比亚大学师范学院召评家参加了在哥伦比亚大学师范学院召开的关于开的关于“高风险高风险”考试的全国性会议，考试的全国性会议，他们讨论了这种考试的影响，替代办法他们讨论了这种考试的影响，替代办法和策略：怎样引起立法者的注意，哪种和策略：怎样引起立法者的注意，哪种案件
102、可适用于民法诉讼，什么样的评估案件可适用于民法诉讼，什么样的评估办法能确保责任的履行，怎样在没有这办法能确保责任的履行，怎样在没有这种种“高风险高风险”考试的条件下取得较高的考试的条件下取得较高的学业水平。学业水平。 Para. 12Some on the left believe that the whole standards movement is a plot by conservatives to show up the public schools and thus set the stage for vouchers. voucher / / n. a piece of pape
103、r that is a record of money paid or one that can be used to pay for particular goods or services 凭单凭单;券券 e.g. a travel voucher a luncheon voucher to show up the public schools and thus set the stage for vouchersto reveal the deficiencies in public schools and therefore get prepared for the implement
104、ation of school voucher systemshow up: make it possible to see or notice something that was not clear before; reveal 显示显示;使使出丑出丑e.g. The sunlight showed up the cracks in the wall. These riots show up the deficiencies in police training.set the stage for: prepare for sth or make sth possible e.g. The
105、 presidents recent death set the stage for a military coup(政变政变). Para. 12Some on the left believe that the whole standards movement is a plot by conservatives to show up the public schools and thus set the stage for vouchers. 参考译文参考译文: 部分左派人士认为，整个标准化运部分左派人士认为，整个标准化运动就是保守者搞的阴谋，保守派企图籍此让公动就是保守者搞的阴谋，保守
106、派企图籍此让公立学校出丑，从而为学券制创造条件。立学校出丑，从而为学券制创造条件。Para. 12All believe that poor and minority kids, who dont test well, are the principal victims of the tests and the standards movement. 参考译文参考译文: 所有人都认为，考试考得不好的贫穷和所有人都认为，考试考得不好的贫穷和少数民族学生成了考试和标准化运动的少数民族学生成了考试和标准化运动的主要受害者。主要受害者。Para. 12They contend (correctly)
107、that almost no testing experts and none of the major testing companies endorse the notion of using just one test to determine promotion or graduation or, for that matter, the salaries of teachers and principals. But so far legislators and governors havent paid much attention. endorse / / v. give app
108、roval of or support to, especially by public statement; sanction批准批准;同意同意 e.g. The application was endorsed by the governors board. I fully endorse everything the Chairperson has said.for that matter: used to say that what you are saying about one thing is also true about something else e.g. Scott n
109、ever touches beer, or any kind of alcohol for that matter. Education is bound up with the future of the youth, and the future of the country as a whole for that matter.参考译文参考译文:他们强调说几乎没有哪一个考试专家或他们强调说几乎没有哪一个考试专家或主要的考试公司赞同只通过一次考试就主要的考试公司赞同只通过一次考试就能决定学生是否升级或毕业，甚至决定能决定学生是否升级或毕业，甚至决定教师或校长的薪水。但迄今为止立法者教师或校
110、长的薪水。但迄今为止立法者和州长们对此不够重视。和州长们对此不够重视。 Para. 13Among the most articulate critics of the tests are the boycotting students, who complain about narrowing opportunities and shrinking curricula. articulate /：/ a. expressing oneself easily in clear and effective language e.g. A baby cannot use articulate sp
111、eech. Mary is the most articulate of the sisters.Para. 13Among the most articulate critics of the tests are the boycotting students, who complain about narrowing opportunities and shrinking curricula.参考译文参考译文: 在考试的批评者中，态度最明确的莫过于在考试的批评者中，态度最明确的莫过于联合抵制考试的学生们，他们对机会太联合抵制考试的学生们，他们对机会太少、课程缩减牢骚满腹。少、课程缩减牢骚满
112、腹。Para. 13The most exciting ninth-grade course in his school, says Will Greene, a high school sophomore in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is a science-and-technology class with a lot of hands-on experimentation. 参考译文参考译文:作为马萨诸塞州大巴林顿的一名高中二年级的学生作为马萨诸塞州大巴林顿的一名高中二年级的学生，威尔，威尔格林说他们学校九年级最令人兴奋的课格林说他们学校九年级
113、最令人兴奋的课程是让学生多动手做实验的理工课。程是让学生多动手做实验的理工课。Para. 13In the 1998-1999 school year, when students could take the class without worrying about MCAS, eighty students enrolled; this past year enrollment fell to thirty. 参考译文参考译文: 19981999年度，学生由于不必担心马萨诸年度，学生由于不必担心马萨诸塞州综合评估系统考试，有塞州综合评估系统考试，有80个学生选修个学生选修这门课。然而，上一
114、年度的报名人数降到这门课。然而，上一年度的报名人数降到30人。人。Para. 13Greene says that students feel the course will not help them pass the test, and failing the test next year could mean they dont get a diploma. 参考译文参考译文:格林解释说学生们怕这种课程无助于他们格林解释说学生们怕这种课程无助于他们通过考试，而下学年考试不过，就意味通过考试，而下学年考试不过，就意味着他们拿不到毕业证书。着他们拿不到毕业证书。Para. 13“At lea
115、st create a test,” wrote Alison Maurer, an eighth-grader in Cambridge, Massachusetts, “that doesnt limit what students learn, something that shows what we have learned, not what we havent.” 参考译文参考译文:一个马萨诸塞州卡布里奇市的一个马萨诸塞州卡布里奇市的8年级学生艾利森年级学生艾利森摩勒这样写到：摩勒这样写到：“起码应该设计一种不限制我们起码应该设计一种不限制我们学生的学习自由、证明我们的学习业绩，而
116、不是学生的学习自由、证明我们的学习业绩，而不是旨在暴露我们无知一面的考试。旨在暴露我们无知一面的考试。” Para. 14The movement is a long way from achieving critical mass. 参考译文参考译文: 要形成一个公众批评考试制度的群众性要形成一个公众批评考试制度的群众性运动还有很长的路要走。运动还有很长的路要走。Para. 14The two most prominent lawsuits brought to date one in Texas, challenging the test as racially biased; the o
117、ther in Louisiana, arguing that students hadnt had a chance to learn the material have failed. prominent / a. widely known or important e.g. The government should play a prominent role in protecting the environment. The recent fraud scandal involved and discredited a number of the countrys most prom
118、inent politicians.Para. 14The two most prominent lawsuits brought to date one in Texas, challenging the test as racially biased; the other in Louisiana, arguing that students hadnt had a chance to learn the material have failed. 参考译文参考译文:目前有两个令人瞩目的诉讼案件都以失败告终：目前有两个令人瞩目的诉讼案件都以失败告终：一个是发生在得克萨斯州关于控诉考试带有种
119、族一个是发生在得克萨斯州关于控诉考试带有种族歧视的案件，一个是发生在路易斯安娜州有关学歧视的案件，一个是发生在路易斯安娜州有关学生没有机会学习教材的案件。生没有机会学习教材的案件。Para. 14The boycotts are still small, and polls, by Public Agenda and other organizations, continue to show that 72 percent of Americans and 79 percent of parents support tougher academic standards and oppose s
120、ocial promotion “even if the outcome is that significantly more students would be held back.” 参考译文参考译文:目前抵制考试的人还只是少数，根据公目前抵制考试的人还只是少数，根据公众议事以及其他机构的民意测验连续显众议事以及其他机构的民意测验连续显示，有示，有72%的美国人和的美国人和79的家长依然的家长依然支持更严格的学业水平测试，反对人为支持更严格的学业水平测试，反对人为地让考试不及格者升级，地让考试不及格者升级，“哪怕是再多哪怕是再多的学生被迫留级也在所不惜。的学生被迫留级也在所不惜。” Par
121、a. 14Those numbers seem to reinforce the argument of Diane Ravitch, an education historian, an education official in the Bush Administration, and a strong supporter of standards, who has described the protesters as “crickets” few in number, but making a disproportionate amount of noise. disproportio
122、nate / / a. out of proportion, as in size, shape, or amounte.g. There are a disproportionate number of men compared to women in the legal profession. The countrys great influence in the world is disproportionate to its relatively small size.Para. 14Those numbers seem to reinforce the argument of Dia
123、ne Ravitch, an education historian, an education official in the Bush Administration, and a strong supporter of standards, who has described the protesters as “crickets” few in number, but making a disproportionate amount of noise. 参考译文参考译文: 这些数据似乎有力支持了曾为（老）布什政府的教这些数据似乎有力支持了曾为（老）布什政府的教育部官员，坚决支持水平测试的
124、教育历史学家黛育部官员，坚决支持水平测试的教育历史学家黛安娜安娜拉维契的观点。她曾经把反对者比喻为拉维契的观点。她曾经把反对者比喻为“蟋蟀蟋蟀”只有那么一小撮，但是鼓噪之声，甚只有那么一小撮，但是鼓噪之声，甚嚣尘上。嚣尘上。Para. 14“Theres tremendous support” for tests, Ravitch says, “among elected officials and in the business community.” She may also be correct when she says that a great many of those who p
125、rofess to oppose the high-stakes tests oppose all testing and all but the fuzziest standards. profess / / v. make a pretense of; pretend; affirm openly表明表明;假装假装 e.g. He professes to despise(轻轻视视) everything that is related closely to money and fame seeking. She professed ignorance of the whole affai
126、r, though I am not sure I believe her.参考译文参考译文:她说，在选举出来的政府官员和商业团她说，在选举出来的政府官员和商业团体中，有极多的考试支持者，那些口口体中，有极多的考试支持者，那些口口声声反对高风险考试的人其实是反对一声声反对高风险考试的人其实是反对一切考试的，反对除了最模糊标准的考试切考试的，反对除了最模糊标准的考试外的一切考试，她这么说可能有她的道外的一切考试，她这么说可能有她的道理。理。 Para. 14They are the same people, Ravitch argues, who in the end cheat kids by
127、 demanding too little and forever blaming childrens inability to read or to do elementary math on the shortcomings of parents, neighborhoods, and the culture. Para. 14They are the same people, Ravitch argues, who in the end cheat kids by demanding too little and forever blaming childrens inability t
128、o read or to do elementary math on the shortcomings of parents, neighborhoods, and the culture. 参考译文参考译文: 她进一步争辩说，就是这些人他们对孩子要求太她进一步争辩说，就是这些人他们对孩子要求太低而又总是把孩子不会阅读、不会做初等数学的低而又总是把孩子不会阅读、不会做初等数学的问题归咎于父母、社区及其文化的缺陷，而最后问题归咎于父母、社区及其文化的缺陷，而最后上当受骗的只是孩子。上当受骗的只是孩子。Para. 14Scrap the tests and were back to the sam
129、e neglect and indifference, particularly toward poor, marginal students, that we had before. Letting students who cant read, write, or do basic math graduate is doing no one a favor. scrap / / v. throw away as worthless; decide not to use a plan or system because it is impracticale.g. The navys bigg
130、est aircraft carrier is being scrapped this year. Weve decided to scrap the whole idea of renting a car.Para. 14Scrap the tests and were back to the same neglect and indifference, particularly toward poor, marginal students, that we had before. Letting students who cant read, write, or do basic math
131、 graduate is doing no one a favor. 参考译文参考译文:如果废弃考试制度，我们将回到过去那种忽视和如果废弃考试制度，我们将回到过去那种忽视和漠视学生，特别是穷困生和边缘学生的状态，让漠视学生，特别是穷困生和边缘学生的状态，让那些不会读、不会写，做不了基本数学题的学生那些不会读、不会写，做不了基本数学题的学生毕业对谁也没有好处。毕业对谁也没有好处。Para. 15Yet even Ravitch is concerned about what she calls the “test obsession” and the backlash it could crea
132、te if large numbers of students fail and the whole system unravels. Para. 15Yet even Ravitch is concerned about what she calls the “test obsession” and the backlash it could create if large numbers of students fail and the whole system unravels. 参考译文参考译文: 然而，甚至连拉维契她也都担心：如果大量然而，甚至连拉维契她也都担心：如果大量的学生没有通
133、过考试或整个考试制度瓦解，的学生没有通过考试或整个考试制度瓦解，其后果势必是产生她所说的其后果势必是产生她所说的“考试狂考试狂”以以及强烈反冲。及强烈反冲。Para. 15The accountability structure in Virginia has been set up in such a way that even if the vast majority of students pass the tests, a large percentage of schools could fail the accompanying Standards of Accreditation
134、. Para. 15The accountability structure in Virginia has been set up in such a way that even if the vast majority of students pass the tests, a large percentage of schools could fail the accompanying Standards of Accreditation. 参考译文参考译文:在弗吉尼亚责任制度已经建立，在这种制度下，即在弗吉尼亚责任制度已经建立，在这种制度下，即使是大多数的学生通过了考试，仍然可能有大量
135、使是大多数的学生通过了考试，仍然可能有大量的学校无法达到这种制度所伴随的评估标准。的学校无法达到这种制度所伴随的评估标准。Para. 15Under the SOA, any school in which more than 30 percent of students fail in 2007 will be subject to loss of accreditation. Para. 15Under the SOA, any school in which more than 30 percent of students fail in 2007 will be subject to
136、loss of accreditation. 参考译文参考译文:根据这项标准，在根据这项标准，在2007，年任何学校如果有，年任何学校如果有30%以上的学生未通过考试，那么这所学以上的学生未通过考试，那么这所学校将得不到办学资格。校将得不到办学资格。 Para. 15That, according to a study by the conservative Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, in Springfield, Virginia, is a formula that fosters public distrust of bo
137、th the schools and the system. formula /：/ n. a method of doing or treating something that relies on an established, uncontroversial model or approach 原则；方案 e.g. The employers and the union leaders have agreed an acceptable formula for wages. They proposed a third formula for the new swimming pool.P
138、ara. 15That, according to a study by the conservative Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, in Springfield, Virginia, is a formula that fosters public distrust of both the schools and the system. 参考译文参考译文:但是根据位于弗吉尼亚州斯普林菲尔德的保守的托但是根据位于弗吉尼亚州斯普林菲尔德的保守的托马斯马斯杰斐逊公共政策研究所的调查研究，这种杰斐逊公共政策研究所的调查研究，这种做法事
139、实上成为滋生公众对学校和制度不信任的做法事实上成为滋生公众对学校和制度不信任的土壤。土壤。Para. 15The study points out that because high-scoring students are concentrated in just a handful of districts, only 6.5 percent of Virginia schools met the SOA in 1999, when 35 percent of all Virginia students passed all the required SOL tests. Para. 15
140、The study points out that because high-scoring students are concentrated in just a handful of districts, only 6.5 percent of Virginia schools met the SOA in 1999, when 35 percent of all Virginia students passed all the required SOL tests. 参考译文参考译文:研究指出，由于高分的学生都集中于屈指可数研究指出，由于高分的学生都集中于屈指可数的几个地区，尽管在的几个
141、地区，尽管在1999年有年有35的弗吉尼的弗吉尼亚学生通过所有要求的亚学生通过所有要求的SOL考试，仍然只有考试，仍然只有6.5%学校达到确认的标准。学校达到确认的标准。 Para. 16The Jefferson Institute study illustrates a wider set of problems underlying the new standards and tests. 参考译文参考译文:杰斐逊研究所的研究表明，在新标准和新杰斐逊研究所的研究表明，在新标准和新考试中隐藏着一系列更为广泛的问题。考试中隐藏着一系列更为广泛的问题。Para. 16In an effort
142、to look like the toughest guy on the block, some states have imposed standards that will be difficult if not impossible for many students and schools to meet. 参考译文参考译文:为了逞能争第一，一些州强制采用一些标为了逞能争第一，一些州强制采用一些标准，而这些标准对许多学生和学校来说，准，而这些标准对许多学生和学校来说，即使不是不可能也是很难达到的。即使不是不可能也是很难达到的。Para. 16Members of the Virgini
143、a Board of Education are negotiating over allowing students to graduate without necessarily passing a standardized test. As noted, Massachusetts has already lowered the passing score on MCAS. 参考译文参考译文:弗吉尼亚州教育委员会的成员们正在协商是否允弗吉尼亚州教育委员会的成员们正在协商是否允许学生不必一定要通过标准化测试也可毕业。大许学生不必一定要通过标准化测试也可毕业。大家观察到，麻萨诸塞州已经降低了
144、家观察到，麻萨诸塞州已经降低了MCAS（麻萨麻萨诸塞州综合评估系统）的及格线。诸塞州综合评估系统）的及格线。Para. 16A policy in Los Angeles to hold back all failing students has been modified. And merit-scholarship systems have been created in Michigan and California to keep top students from blowing off the test. blow off: make light of sth or treat s
145、b or sth as not important e.g. It seems crazy that they blew off Jurassic Park when they were choosing best movies. When they know the history course is not a required one, some of them blow off the class.Para. 16A policy in Los Angeles to hold back all failing students has been modified. And merit-
146、scholarship systems have been created in Michigan and California to keep top students from blowing off the test. 参考译文参考译文:在洛杉矶，要求不及格的学生留级的政策已经有所在洛杉矶，要求不及格的学生留级的政策已经有所松动。密西根州和加利福尼亚州已经设立了优秀松动。密西根州和加利福尼亚州已经设立了优秀成绩奖学金制度来防止学习尖子不当一回事地随成绩奖学金制度来防止学习尖子不当一回事地随意应考。意应考。Para. 16The states that have had the least
147、 trouble with backlash are those, like Texas, that set standards low enough (and the Texas standards are far too low, in the view of some critics) that a large percentage of students can pass the tests. 参考译文参考译文:有些州，如德克萨斯州，采纳的考试标准极低有些州，如德克萨斯州，采纳的考试标准极低（有些批评家觉得实在太低了），大多数学生（有些批评家觉得实在太低了），大多数学生都能通过考试，因
148、而受到的冲击最弱。都能通过考试，因而受到的冲击最弱。Para. 17It is, of course, in the public ambivalence about where the bar should be set that the larger uncertainty about the standards movement lies. Para. 17It is, of course, in the public ambivalence(矛盾心理矛盾心理) about where the bar should be set that the larger uncertainty a
149、bout the standards movement lies. 参考译文参考译文: 当然，公众对标准化考试运动的很大程度上的当然，公众对标准化考试运动的很大程度上的犹疑不决就在于公众对这条标准线应当如何犹疑不决就在于公众对这条标准线应当如何设定存有矛盾的心理。设定存有矛盾的心理。Para. 17Robert B. Schwartz, the president of Achieve, an organization created in 1996 by governors and business executives to defend the standards movement (a
150、t that time mostly against conservative attacks), recognizes that despite the polls, “not enough has been done to bring the public along.” Achieve 功业组织功业组织 founded in 1996, is an independent, bipartisan（两党连立的）两党连立的）, nonprofit organization that helps states raise academic standards, measure performa
151、nce against those standards, establish clear accountability（责任）责任） for results and strengthen public confidence in US education system.参考译文参考译文: “功业功业”组织的主席罗伯特组织的主席罗伯特B舒尔茨认识舒尔茨认识到尽管民意调查结果如此，但到尽管民意调查结果如此，但“我们在团我们在团结公众方面做得还不够。结公众方面做得还不够。” （“功业功业”这这个组织成立于个组织成立于1996年，是由州长们和工商年，是由州长们和工商管理人员组建的旨在于维护标准化考试运
152、管理人员组建的旨在于维护标准化考试运动的组织，在当时主要是用来对付保守派动的组织，在当时主要是用来对付保守派的攻击。）的攻击。） Para. 17In most cases the tests and standards were imposed from the top down, with little input either from teachers often regarded as the problem rather than the solution or from parents (who in Arizona and California are not even all
153、owed to see old test questions). Para. 17In most cases the tests and standards were imposed from the top down, with little input either from teachers often regarded as the problem rather than the solution or from parents (who in Arizona and California are not even allowed to see old test questions).
154、参考译文参考译文:大多数的情况是，考试及其标准是自上而下执行的，根大多数的情况是，考试及其标准是自上而下执行的，根本没有征求教师（他们常常被认为是只能带来问题而提本没有征求教师（他们常常被认为是只能带来问题而提不出解决方案）和家长（在亚利桑那和加州家长甚至不不出解决方案）和家长（在亚利桑那和加州家长甚至不被允许看往年的考题）的意见。被允许看往年的考题）的意见。Para. 17Whats needed now, Schwartz says, is to bolster public understanding and “capacity building,” including professi
155、onal development for teachers, to make the whole system work. bolster / v. improve sth by supporting it; help someone to feel better and more positive e.g. We do not doubt that visitors can bolster the patients morale, but we never permit them to come in the working hours from 8 am to 5 pm. The Demo
156、cratic Party had a gathering to bolster their candidates chances at the election.Para. 17Whats needed now, Schwartz says, is to bolster public understanding and “capacity building,” including professional development for teachers, to make the whole system work.参考译文参考译文:舒尔茨认为，现在亟待解决的是增强公众对标舒尔茨认为，现在亟待
157、解决的是增强公众对标准化考试的理解和加大准化考试的理解和加大“能力建设能力建设”，包括提，包括提高教师的专业能力，以致使整个系统有效运作。高教师的专业能力，以致使整个系统有效运作。Para. 17“The good news,” he told a reporter from Education Week in April, is that “states are not simply stopping with raising the bar, and shouting at kids and teachers to jump higher, but are moving to addres
158、s the support question.” Para. 17“The good news,” he told a reporter from Education Week in April, is that “states are not simply stopping with raising the bar, and shouting at kids and teachers to jump higher, but are moving to address the support question.” 参考译文参考译文:“可喜的是，可喜的是，”他在四月对他在四月对教育周刊教育周刊的
159、一个的一个记者说：记者说：“州政府并不是一味地提高标准，对着州政府并不是一味地提高标准，对着教师及学生吼叫，让他们往做得更好，而是在着教师及学生吼叫，让他们往做得更好，而是在着手解决人心向背这一问题。手解决人心向背这一问题。” Para. 18The question, as Schwartz knows, is whether resources and particularly the quality of teaching in inner cities will catch up with the demands on students. Para. 18The question, a
160、s Schwartz knows, is whether resources and particularly the quality of teaching in inner cities will catch up with the demands on students.参考译文参考译文: 正如舒尔茨所见，这个问题就在于教学资正如舒尔茨所见，这个问题就在于教学资源，尤其是老城区的教学质量，能否达到源，尤其是老城区的教学质量，能否达到对学生的要求这一水平线。对学生的要求这一水平线。Para. 18Since April, Schwartz has also acknowledged tha
161、t as the day of reckoning approaches for millions of American students, the backlash will spread and intensify. as the day of reckoning approaches for millions of American students as the day of final settlement is getting close. Reckoning here means high stakes testPara. 18Since April, Schwartz has
162、 also acknowledged that as the day of reckoning approaches for millions of American students, the backlash will spread and intensify. 参考译文参考译文:自四月份以来，舒尔茨也承认，随着针对数百万自四月份以来，舒尔茨也承认，随着针对数百万美国学生判决式的测试一天天临近，这种对抗性美国学生判决式的测试一天天临近，这种对抗性行为将会更加广泛、更加激烈。行为将会更加广泛、更加激烈。“Para. 18“Its easy to assent in the abstract,
163、” he told me recently. “When its my kid, its something different.”参考译文参考译文:在理论上认同它并不难在理论上认同它并不难 ”，他最近告诉我，他最近告诉我说，说，“可是这搁到自己孩子身上，又是另可是这搁到自己孩子身上，又是另一回事了一回事了”。Para. 18In the mid-1990s Delaware threw out a testing program because, in the words of Achieve, the legislature “had been unprepared for high ra
164、tes of student failure.” 参考译文参考译文:在二十世纪九十年代中期，特拉华州拒绝实行在二十世纪九十年代中期，特拉华州拒绝实行考试计划，用考试计划，用 “功业功业”组织的话来说就是因组织的话来说就是因为立法会为立法会“没有想到会有这么多学生不及格。没有想到会有这么多学生不及格。” Para. 19In his state of education speech in February the U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, a strong advocate of accountability and standar
165、ds, seemed to recognize the danger.参考译文参考译文:美国教育部部长理查德美国教育部部长理查德瑞利，系责任制与标准瑞利，系责任制与标准化运动的坚定支持者，他于二月份就教育状况问化运动的坚定支持者，他于二月份就教育状况问题的演说中似乎意识到这种危机。题的演说中似乎意识到这种危机。 Para. 19“Setting high expectations,” he said, “does not mean setting them so high that they are unreachable except for only a few. If all of ou
166、r efforts to raise standards get reduced to one test, weve gotten it wrong.参考译文参考译文:他说：他说：“高期望值的设定并不意味着将标准设得高期望值的设定并不意味着将标准设得那样高不可攀，结果除了少数的学生外无人可以那样高不可攀，结果除了少数的学生外无人可以通过通过 如果我们为提高标准所付出的全部努如果我们为提高标准所付出的全部努力结果只沦落为单一考试的话，那我们就错了。力结果只沦落为单一考试的话，那我们就错了。 Para. 19If we force our teachers to teach only to the
167、 test, we will lose their creativity. If we are so consumed with making sure students pass a multiple-choice test that we throw out the arts and civics then we will be going backwards instead of forward.” 参考译文参考译文:如果我们逼着老师只为考试而教学的话，那么他们如果我们逼着老师只为考试而教学的话，那么他们的创造性将会被泯灭。如果我们将精力过多地消的创造性将会被泯灭。如果我们将精力过多地消
168、耗在确保学生通过多项选择考试，甚至放弃艺术耗在确保学生通过多项选择考试，甚至放弃艺术和公民学的教育的话，那么我们的社会将会倒退和公民学的教育的话，那么我们的社会将会倒退而不是进步。而不是进步。”Para. 20And yet the line between the political drive to be tough and indifference to standards in the name of creativity and diversity sometimes seems hard to draw. 参考译文参考译文: 然而，有时似乎很难在求严求高的政治努然而，有时似乎很难在
169、求严求高的政治努力和借创造性、多样性为名而漠视标准化力和借创造性、多样性为名而漠视标准化考试的态度之间划清界线。考试的态度之间划清界线。Para. 20Diane Ravitch says that a person much missed in this debate is the late Albert Shanker, a longtime president of the American Federation of Teachers, who was relentless in his push for high standards for both students and tea
170、chers. relentless / / a. unyielding; steady and persistent; determinede.g. He believes that the relentless push for economic growth is deeply damaging the environment. He was known as a relentless environmental protection advocate and practitioner.Para. 20Diane Ravitch says that a person much missed
171、 in this debate is the late Albert Shanker, a longtime president of the American Federation of Teachers, who was relentless in his push for high standards for both students and teachers. 参考译文参考译文:黛安黛安拉维契说，在这场争论中，最值得怀念的拉维契说，在这场争论中，最值得怀念的人是已故的阿尔伯特人是已故的阿尔伯特山克山克 美国教师联盟美国教师联盟的长任主席。的长任主席。他曾毫不留情的推行对老师、学生他曾
172、毫不留情的推行对老师、学生的高标准要求。的高标准要求。Para. 20But Shanker also pointed out that if only one standard for graduation exists, it will necessarily be low, because the political system cant support a high rate of failure.参考译文参考译文:但山克也指出，如果只存在一个毕业标准，但山克也指出，如果只存在一个毕业标准，那它必须要求低一点，因为现行政治体制那它必须要求低一点，因为现行政治体制不允许不及格率太高。不
173、允许不及格率太高。Para. 20Shanker suggested two criteria: a basic competency level required of everyone, combined with honors diplomas, by whatever name, for students who do better and achieve more. 参考译文参考译文:山克提出两种评判标准：一种是针对每个学生的基山克提出两种评判标准：一种是针对每个学生的基本能力水平，另一种是给做得更好、学习更优秀本能力水平，另一种是给做得更好、学习更优秀的学生颁发荣誉证书，或别的什么
174、证书。的学生颁发荣誉证书，或别的什么证书。Para. 20The issue of the tradeoff between minimum competency and what is sometimes called “world-class standards” is rarely raised in any explicit manner, but it has bedeviled this debate since the beginning. tradeoff: an acceptable balance between two opposing things that one w
175、ants; an exchange of one thing in return for another 权衡权衡 e.g. There has to be a tradeoff between quality and quantity if we want to keep prices low. For Mary it is not easy to make a tradeoff between her job and her family.bedevil / / v. cause a lot of problems or difficulties for someone or sth; t
176、rouble, afflict, or plaguee.g. Serious economic problems are bedeviling the country. Ever since I started playing tennis, Ive been bedeviled by back pains.Para. 20The issue of the tradeoff between minimum competency and what is sometimes called “world-class standards” is rarely raised in any explici
177、t manner, but it has bedeviled this debate since the beginning. 参考译文参考译文:在最低能力标准和时常被称为在最低能力标准和时常被称为“世界级标准世界级标准”之间之间协调权衡的问题很少被以明确的方式提出来，然协调权衡的问题很少被以明确的方式提出来，然而这个问题从一开始就困扰着这场辩论。而这个问题从一开始就困扰着这场辩论。Para. 20As the standards requirements begin to take effect, and as more parents face the possibility that t
178、heir children will not graduate, pressure to lower the bar or eliminate it entirely will almost certainly increase.参考译文参考译文:当标准化考试标准开始实施，愈来愈多的家长面当标准化考试标准开始实施，愈来愈多的家长面对他们的孩子可能会毕不了业时对他们的孩子可能会毕不了业时, 要求降低标准要求降低标准或完全取消该标准的压力无疑会加剧。或完全取消该标准的压力无疑会加剧。Para. 20Conversely, as more people come to understand that
179、 the “Texas miracle” and other celebrated successes are based on embarrassingly low benchmarks, those, too, will come under attack. conversely /：/ ad. from a different and opposite way of looking at this e.g. Running can strengthen your heart and muscles, but conversely it may also damage your knee
180、joints and bones in the feet. celebrated / / a. known and praised widely; famouse.g. Her mother was a celebrated movie star. Burgundy, France is celebrated for its fine wines.benchmark / / n. a standard or reference by which sth can be measured or judgede.g. Despite her behavior off-stage her perfor
181、mances set a new benchmark for singers throughout the world. Last year OPEC set a benchmark price of eighteen dollars a barrel.Para. 20Conversely, as more people come to understand that the “Texas miracle” and other celebrated successes are based on embarrassingly low benchmarks, those, too, will co
182、me under attack. 参考译文参考译文:而另一方面，当更多的人开始了解到而另一方面，当更多的人开始了解到“德克萨斯德克萨斯奇迹奇迹”和其他闻名的成就只不过是建立在低得令和其他闻名的成就只不过是建立在低得令人尴尬的分数线上时人尴尬的分数线上时,那么这些标准同样将遭到攻那么这些标准同样将遭到攻击。击。Para. 20The most logical outcome would be the Shanker solution. But in education politics, where ideology often reigns, logic is not always easy
183、to come by. But in education politics, where ideology often reigns, logic is not always easy to come by. But ideology often dominates in education system so things that seem reasonable are not always acceptable. Para. 20The most logical outcome would be the Shanker solution. But in education politic
184、s, where ideology often reigns, logic is not always easy to come by. 参考译文参考译文:最明智合理的方案也许就是山克的解决办最明智合理的方案也许就是山克的解决办法。但在常由思想意识支配的教育政治中，法。但在常由思想意识支配的教育政治中，合乎逻辑的东西并不都是很容易做到的。合乎逻辑的东西并不都是很容易做到的。 Exercises I. Comprehension CheckFor each of the following unfinished statements, choose the most appropriate an
185、swer from the choices provided.1. The title of the passage “ High Stakes Are for Tomatoes” means that _. A. standardized tests are as good for students as tomatoes are for peoples diets. B. tomatoes tend to be harmful nowadays though they are still needed C. standardized tests are no more important
186、than vegetables D. we oppose the tougher standardized tests2. According to the passage, school reforms are also hard on teachers because _. A. they have more classes of larger sizes B. they have a hard time with students and parents against them C. their salaries are directly related to their studen
187、ts performance on tests D. their teaching methods are severely condemned3. This spring about 300 students in Massachusetts, boycotting the standardized test, demanded that _. A. tests be improved B. tests be abolished C. they be allowed to graduate even if they had not taken the test D. test results
188、 not be regarded as the only standard for graduation4. In New York one of the education policy makers agreed that _. A. students could be provided more channels through which to graduate B. not every student should take the state exam C. everyone would be judged by one standard D. policy requirement
189、s should be called off 5. People complained of all of the following except that _. A. the tests were too long and too tough B. tests were not related to what students had learned C. tests were not fair to minority and poor students D. tests were not legible(清晰的清晰的) and were only text-based6. From th
190、e passage we can conclude that _. A. more people support tests than oppose them B. test supporters are outnumbered by their opponents C. students are the most critical of tests D. legislators have done much to improve tests7. According to education historian Diane Ravitch _. A. those who oppose test
191、s are few and have little influence B. those who oppose tests in fact cheat on exams C. poor, marginal students were particularly neglected in the past D. allowing those who are not up to standard to graduate benefits only a few8. From the authors point of view, standardized tests in Texas met with
192、the least opposition because _. A. they did not impose a standard of graduation B. they set a very low passing standard C. they allowed students to graduate even without passing the tests D. they had no standards at all9. According to the president of Achieve, the problems standardized tests have ca
193、used lie in _. A. a lack of public understanding B. a lack of professional development C. poor conditions in inner cities D. standards that are too high10. The tone of the text can be described as _. A. indifferent B. satirical C. objective and factual D. optimistic and encouragingII. Vocabulary Stu
194、dyi. Read the definition and write down an appropriate word accordingly.1. very severe or strict rigorous 2. make a judgment about a person or situation assess3. refuse to buy, to use or to take part in something as a way of protest boycott 4. a written request signed by a lot of people, asking some
195、one in authority to do something petition 5. cancel or end (a law) repeal6. (ideas or methods) new, and better than those existing innovative 7. prevent from developing or growing constrain8. real, trustworthy genuine9. decide not to use a plan or system because it is impractical scrap10. completely
196、 get rid of something unwanted or unnecessary eliminateii. Here are some words from the text. Use the appropriate form of them to complete these sentences. authentic repeal disproportionate profess designate stringent bolster explicit celebrated relentless acknowledge scrap1. The government is to im
197、pose stringent restrictions on the number of immigrants to be allowed into the country.2. The townspeople are not pleased that the newly built shopping center is designated the Imperial Plaza.3. In a news conference the young actress professed not to be interested in money and fame, but her audience
198、 did not think she was sincere.4. Compared with women there are a disproportionate number of men in the legal profession.5. The people in the state are campaigning to repeal the euthanasia(安乐死安乐死) law, which they regard as an act against humanity.6. The connoisseurs(鉴赏家鉴赏家) opinions differed greatly
199、 as to the question whether the picture on show was a(n) authentic Picasso painting.7. Gore made a call to Bush to acknowledge his defeat in the election, but he soon retracted(收收回回) it as word spread that the ballots had to be recounted.8. Under the new system student grants will be scrapped and re
200、placed by loans.9. There are some signs indicating that the relentless push for economic growth has seriously damaged the environment of this country.10. San Francisco is celebrated for its mild climate, beautiful environment and many tourist attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Golde
201、n Gate Park.11. When asked during a lecture Prof. Scovel was very explicit about what he thought of the present election system. 12. His parents tried to bolster his confidence in studying foreign language by telling him that, even at age of two, he had a special talent for language.III. Translation
202、:Translate the following passage from Chinese into English.种种迹象表明越来越多的家长和教师对种种迹象表明越来越多的家长和教师对各州中学的标准化考试感到关注。各州中学的标准化考试感到关注。There are various signs indicating that more and more parents and teachers are concerned about the standardized tests in high schools in every state.即使多数人认为标准化考试有助于教学即使多数人认为标准化考
203、试有助于教学质量的提高，然而有相当一部分的人对质量的提高，然而有相当一部分的人对此持怀疑甚至批评的态度。此持怀疑甚至批评的态度。Some people think the tests contribute to the improvement of teaching quality while a substantial part of them are skeptical and even hold a critical attitude. 一位来自加利福尼亚州的数学教师说道，一位来自加利福尼亚州的数学教师说道，“我们每天不得不为应试而教，根本没我们每天不得不为应试而教，根本没有时间去考虑如
204、何培养学生的兴趣和提有时间去考虑如何培养学生的兴趣和提高学生的创造力。高学生的创造力。”A teacher of mathematics from California said, “Every day we have to teach for exams with no time to consider how to develop students interests and how to enhance their creativity.” 许多家长抱怨说各校为了提高考试成绩而许多家长抱怨说各校为了提高考试成绩而把真正要学的知识撇在一边，没完没了把真正要学的知识撇在一边，没完没了地进行模
205、拟考试，使孩子们变成了考试地进行模拟考试，使孩子们变成了考试机器。机器。Many parents complained that the real learning in schools was shoved aside in order to boost the test scores and the children have been changed into test machines with endless simulated tests. 学生更是觉得很不公平学生更是觉得很不公平,每天考试压力太每天考试压力太大，他们甚至连活动的时间都没有了。大，他们甚至连活动的时间都没有了。 T
206、he students felt more strongly that they were unfairly treated and, weighed down by everyday tests, they even didnt have time for physical exercises. 标准化考试在各州引发了越来越大的反弹，标准化考试在各州引发了越来越大的反弹，根据纽约时报的报道芝加哥市的部分家长与根据纽约时报的报道芝加哥市的部分家长与教师组成联合会要抵制今年的标准化考试。教师组成联合会要抵制今年的标准化考试。The standardized tests have led to m
207、ore and more backlashes in every state. According to The New York Times report, some of the parents and teachers in Chicago would form a coalition to boycott the standardized test this year. Thats the end of unit 14!Thats the end of unit 14!Thank you for listening!Thank you for listening!Bye-bye!Bye-bye!
