I fully agree with Mr. George Maurer’s recent letter in the community forum. For over 15 years, I was a HOSTS – Help One Student to Succeed – volunteering each Monday morning in a Harlingen School.
I saw firsthand how out of control these testings are.
First, during my time in the school, the teachers spent weeks and maybe months preparing the students for these tests. For some reason they were more important than everyday work. And this was not the teacher’s fault. They were forced to complete preparations for these uncalled-for tests.
One little boy in particular had good, passing grades each day and each report card. The tests started in the morning and continued until the student finished the test pages.
By afternoon, his teacher called mother and that she would stay with him until 5 p.m. then bring him home. He had to finish the test.
When the test results came in, this little boy had failed it. He had to take the test again.
What a waste for all concerned. I have often wondered how this little boy did in the years to come as each year there is that dreaded, stupid test.
Sallie Lou Nelson San Benito
