Tests not a good measurement of public schools either–just like home school

I read your commentary on home schooling (The Acorn, May 22) and I had to laugh. In response to the article in that edition of your paper—that stated how well home schoolers do on tests—you used their testing success as a weapon to question their practices.

You said, "If nothing else many children who learn at home do it effectively. But being taught to take a test isn’t necessarily a full measurement of education and learning ability." I have to agree with you completely and I would like to suggest you contact the California Department of Education because they feel testing is so important, taking the Star test is required by law.

It is from the results of these tests, that school’s Academic Performance Index (API), California’s index of school achievement, is calculated.

Next, contact the California state Board of Education regarding the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE). Their Education Code Section 60850 encourages districts to teach this test and Section 60851(b) states that students are required to pass this exam in order to receive a diploma.

Next, please call the state Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin because she feels test results determine our children’s future success in life. "The proficient level has been established as the goal for all students … these first test results reveal that, on average, only 30 percent of our students currently are reaching the goal. We must work together to provide schools the support they will need so that all our children will have the knowledge and skills they will need to lead successful lives."

Lastly, please don’t forget to contact President George Bush whose new "No Child Left Behind" program mandates that "All states must implement statewide accountability systems."

What are those accountability systems? Testing, of course!

So, you and I, who think successful test taking isn’t a measure of success or failure in life or really the measure of anything of significance, are in the minority here. The people running the show, the government and its minions, think testing is everything.

You continued in your obvious skepticism of home schooling and the testing success many have achieved by saying, " … some people do well on tests, but lack common sense or problem solving ability." I am just curious what makes you think public education produces young adults with common sense or the ability to solve problems.

If you have some proof, please share it.

It has been my experience that government-run schools teach our children to follow illogical rules, to deny themselves and their individuality, and depend on some authority for assessment of their value.

They are not there to learn, but to make the grade. There is no common sense in any of that, but it’s great training in life in the adult world of chasing the carrot and answering to the man.

Kathie Vitanza

Oak Park