OK. Obama/Duncan/Gates School "Reform" Model: The results Are IN !!! Today's NYT: P. A1

[sabrina 1]

95. You don't teach to any test. That is not the purpose of testing. You EDUCATE

children and if you do a good job, they will do fine on any test. And yes, I have lots of experience in this field. Most of my students were not tested until third grade. By that time, they are far beyond their grade levels in all required subjects, and are knowledgeable in a variety of subjects not required. testing at that point, is just another experience for them. A well rounded education, respecting the child's ability and desire to LEARN, and they do love to learn when they are not being stressed out by a rotten system that even adults would find hard to handle, ensures success.

There are children who have learning disabilities, emotional problems and other issues that make this kind of system even less effective, even damaging, cruel in fact for many students. And it is a known fact the least educated students are those who were taught to the test. It's sort of like Fox Viewers, their sphere of learning is so narrow that yes, they may know how to pass a test, but that's about it.

I would never subject a child to this kind of business program. It is not an educational program. They are being prepared not to think, to simply follow instructions.