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Mo' Tests, Mo' Problems

Against any form of logic, New York City education officials are apparently thinking about forcing New York students to take more standardized tests. According to this NYT article, the sole purpose of these new tests will be to determine teacher effectiveness.

So if I'm a New York State student, I have to take and pass five Regents exams to graduate. If I want to go to college, I have to take the SAT. If I want to go to college and not take remedial courses, I have to take and pass more Regents. And if this new initiative goes through, I have to take eight more standardized tests.

I feel so bad for the children growing up in this country right now. School has gone from a place that is supposed to help you grow and develop as a productive member of society to a year-long test prep session.

Why even have high school? Why not just one big exam that tests everything you ever need to know in high school?

Oh wait, that's the GED.
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