In a message dated 12/22/2000 12:28:50 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes, in part, regarding standardized testing: << I also believe Minneapolis should be compared to like school districts with similar demographics. The current system will always mean, in this state, Mpls and St. Paul will never look as good as Minnetonka, or Apple Valley or North Oaks. Our demographics are completely different and the system is skewed to make the affluent school districts look successful and urban centers as failures. I say compare us, if we are to be judged at the national level, to Charlotte-Mecklenburg or Seattle, etc. >> Higher education admission officials and potential employers don't necesarily care where an applicant comes from, where they grew up, or in what circumstance; however, they do care where the applicant went to school and how well they did in school-- as measured by comparable grades based on comparable, reliable test scores. While there are many measures of educational success, dismissing or minimizing the importance of comparable, standardized testing programs, may bring great disservice to urban public school students as they progress through life. Excuses tend to bifurcate the educational system- positive results strengthen the system. This should be the focus of public educational policy and programs in urban America... results, not excuses... And I realize, much easier said than done! M. Hohmann 13th Ward
