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Opening up a back door to mediocrity
The people of Wisconsin know about the fundamentals. Much of the state is farm country, and farmers understand the importance of doing things the right way instead of the easy way. It looks like the state's higher education system could learn from its residents.
After evaluating hundreds of public colleges and universities in all 50 states, WhatWillTheyLearn.com ranks Wisconsin's state higher education system dead last at requiring foundational college courses. Of the seven courses we identify as crucial to a well-rounded liberal arts education, Wisconsin's state-supported institutions require only 1.9. The national average for public schools is 3.3.
Of the 12 University of Wisconsin schools evaluated (UW-Stout was not included as it is primarily a technical college), only four require a college-level math class, only six require a college writing class of all students, and not a single one required either a US History survey or a basic class in economics.
Only one campus (Madison), receives credit for requiring a foreign language; the reason for that reveals something about the way some schools try to preserve the appearance of high standards while actually giving students an easy way out.
Traditionally, the B.S. degree has been for majors such as Physics or Chemistry, while B.A. degrees were granted for humanities majors like History or English. Some schools only require students pursuing the B.A. to take foreign language classes. While ACTA believes all students should become competent in a foreign language, we have nonetheless given credit to schools who only require intermediate foreign-language skills from B.A. students.
However, a number of schools have created a loophole. They require a foreign language of their B.A. students, but then offer a B.S. degree alternative, even to majors that are not remotely science-based. Thus, as contradictory as it sounds, UW-Eau Claire will let you earn a Bachelor's of Science in ... Art. Similar systems are in place at UW campuses at Oshkosh, Stevens Point, and River Falls, which offer a B.S. option for all but a handful of majors.
Defenders will no doubt point out that the B.S. option often requires students to take another science or math class, but that misses the point: schools are taking an essential and making it a mere option, inviting students choose whichever door is easiest.
As any dairyman will tell you, that's no way to run a farm.
Posted by Eric Markley on August 30, 2010 at August 30, 2010 05:20 PM
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