Test Score Debacle

I have always held that standardized tests breed mediocrity as everyone hopes to attain that middle ground. Not everyone can be above average. That's just the way it is. By creating standardized tests that determine what schools need improvement, by it's very nature, half should need to improve every year and half are doing a good enough job. Is this the sole way we want our children judged? In this modern psychometric era, everything can be given values. However, we choose to use standardized tests. That seems so out of balance with what I try to teach - passion and determination. Now, the test makers are screwing up the grading of these tests. Who will guard the guards themselves?

They make the tests, they grade the tests, and they report the scores. Who checks on them?

On a lighter note, I just found out that one of my former students has decided to MAJOR IN LATIN!!!!!!!!!! WAHOO! Small victories are still victories. And, she wants to be an engineer. So not only is she good at Latin, she's also going to drive the train!