Date sent:        Thu, 23 Apr 1998 10:36:59 -0700
To:               arthurhu@mail1.halcyon.com
From:             James Burts <jburts@halcyon.com>
Subject:          Arthur Hu and ed loop certificate of mastery Eastside journal
  today.


Dear Arthur 
Go get eastside Journal today the 23rd front page sophomores put new
graduation exam to the test. Here it is folks The certificate of mastery
coming sooner than we think. At one time the commission on student learning
extended the requirement date to 20006 well it's now back down to the
original date 2000-2001 school year that it will become mandatory. They
will take the test as sophomore's than have two years to get it right. The
article states that there are no others in the nation like it.
That is an outright lie every state is doing the CIM which is the national
curriculum of goals 2000. we need to be seriously asking what is going to
happen to home and private schools that do not buy in will our children not
get jobs or be able to go to college if they do not have this certificate?


One child said that she likes this test better cause it was easy for one
and she said this test will show more of your personality and your
creativity and what you can do vrs the other test. 


About 65,000 sophomores in 231 public school dist and 11 private schools
statewide are expected to take the test. most of the private are catholic
and secular schools.


Gordon Ensign assessment director for the commission on student learning
said we are basically trying out the questions. He said educators will
study responses to look for cultural bias in the test and to make sure
students aren't misreading a question.  what does this mean cultural bias?


Starting this year 76,000 fourth graders will be required to take the state
test for their level. The seventh grade test is in its second trial year
and like the 10th grade test won't be required until 2001.


quote: don't expect to see the results posted anywhere the tests won't be
scored in the traditional way. {does not explain how}{
teachers}  Quote: They'll be watching for students who are struggling. And
they will also be listening to the chatter after each section is completed
to find out what kids don't know and what they need to work on. 


There you have it in a nutshell requirements of goals 2000 right on
schedule of being mandating and forced on all children. 


Need letters to the editor on this one I'll start writing one myself.
Also they can't run these tests through a computer because there are essays
on this test so it will cost tax payers big money to hire people to grade
these. It will be very subjective since every one grades different on essays. 
Julanne Burts