"Roger" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 11:01:54 -0500, Margy Natalie
wrote:


snip

Why do ALL students have to pass ALL tests? What's wrong with the kid
that just
doesn't make it in Algebra II doing something else. Who says EVERYONE
must pass
Algebra II to be ok?

People who don't realize that most of the population will never use
Algebra?

(I know the answer here, the State of Virginia says you must
pass Algebra II).

I was right:-))

I agree that MOST students should be able to pass MOST tests, but
NCLB demands high stakes testing of all students. I agree that standards
can be
applied. NY used to have general diplomas and Regents diplomas. The
Regents
diploma meant the student had passed a series of exams. Now states are
required to
have exams for all diploma, so a struggling student who may be very
qualified for a
number of professions can't manage to pass the tests and can't find
employment due
to no high school diploma. This is good?

Nope and I see nothing wrong with the two, or even the three tiered
system.

Why make the kids seeking a technical education do the same work of
those going into college and science? By the same token, why make
those who are unable to pass those same tests if all they are ever
going to be qualified to do is unskilled labor. It may be an over
simplification, but to me these are entirely different tracks.

Of course some one is going to say that is class discrimination, but
we do not live in a classless society. Given the opportunity we each
reach our own level. Some times it takes a bit of prodding though.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

What really sucks is the kid that wants to go into a trade/technical job
won't get much in the way of training from high school. Schools now days
chop shop classes at the first opportunity. It's a shame as half the kids
leave high school having spent 4 years that will do little if anything to
ready them for the work place. Most can't even fill out an application.