Passing the buck with learning agreements

"PUPILS from a secondary school have been asked to sign `contracts` pledging to work hard to pass exams. "

"The learning agreements have been introduced as part of a drive to improve standards."

"Initially aimed at fifth year pupils studying mathematics qualifications the contracts will be rolled out across all subjects if they are deemed to be a success."

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13842577.School_introduces__quot_pupil_contracts_quot__to_drive_up_standards/?ref=fbshr

What a cowardly response to falling standards.

The implication is that standard are falling because pupils are not working hard enough.

There is no mention of the mess that has been made to Scottish education with the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence and its emphasis on the `whole child` approach.

Too much GIRFEC pseudo-psychotherapy in the classroom and not enough education.

Never mind that they have stopped using textbooks.

At least England`s school minister, Nick Gibb, is beginning to address that particular issue:
  

SCHOOLS are going back to basics and restoring traditional books amid fears they have been neglected in the rush for computerised learning.

The Government is working with the publishing industry to lift textbook standards to a level that is "on a par with the rest of the world".

It follows a call by Schools Minister Nick Gibb for teachers to abandon the "anti-textbook ethos" of recent years to help close the "astounding gap" in standards that has opened up between England and high-performing countries overseas.

He says textbooks can give pupils a more structured education, save money and help parents support sons and daughters outside school.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/611221/UK-schools-back-books-bid-close-gap-best-countries