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Summer: I am impressed!!!. I wonder what would happen if I tried that here in Massachusetts....sigh.

I have a healthy fear of the future, because (1) I know how adamant the state teacher's association is here not to let anyone rain on there parade, and how much control they have over the legislature and (2) As part of education "reform" in Massachusetts, charter schools were set up, and they ended up being alternative public schools, including having to take the tests.

And, where I'm coming from is a real dislike for the tests. The time, effort, and financing being put in them is taking away from higher end educational opportunities and innovative curriculum, for students accross the spectrum.

It seems as if your governor understands what concerns us. But, another concern...the laws don't change if good elected officials are replaced by people who will misuse everything.

I wonder what would happen if I tried that here in Massachusetts....sigh.

Hey! Try it and tell us! I once suggested every person on FR do this in his or her state, and we post the results here on FR. (FL's Gov. Bush will lead the way, I am sure!) And, thanks for your thoughtful post, grania. :)

(2) As part of education "reform" in Massachusetts, charter schools were set up, and they ended up being alternative public schools, including having to take the tests.

And, where I'm coming from is a real dislike for the tests.

grania, As for MA charter schools and FL charter schools -- they are both taking state tests, as far as I know. Here in FL, Gov Bush does have an innovative 'charter school district' program, which frees up an entire school district from some regulations in exchange for higher student achievement, but, there too you have testing.

As for a dislike for the tests, I know there are parents in Westchester, NY who feel that way too -- but, I think the better schools have little reason to complain. Their students will do fine. It is not the big deal some people make it out to be. And, here in FL, the testing has enabled the state to identify the failing schools in need of help -- I think that's a good thing (as Martha would say!). :)

Personally I like the tests. Why do you dislike them?

The way I see it, it puts competition into the system. To be honest, I'd like to see private schools adopt a voluntary testing system this way I can choose to send my children to the school of my choose based on ALL the information available. If I think my son has a hankering for science, then I'd probably send him to the school that did very well on science. If he was good at arts and literature, I'd probably send him to a school that was at the top in that area. Without a standard test I can't tell which school is doing well. All I get is the fluff and BS marketing materials they put out. But after you send your child to a school it's too late to determine if that was the right school.

As people always say, the children are our most precious resource...yadda yadda yadda...well, if so I say test those that teach them so I as a parent can make an informed decision.