[CALIBK12] a pale reflection

[Stephen Krashen]

One of my letters got in, but of course they changed it. What was published was a pale reflection of what I wrote. This is why it is a good idea to keep letters very short, whenever possible, so they won't cut anything.

The original:

Sent to the Press-Enterprise, March 1, 2009

I was sad to read about the proposed cuts at Corona-Norco ("Corona-Norco to consider cutting 165 certificated positions," Feb. 28). 

Local districts throughout the state are being forced to cut positions and reduce services in areas known to help children. For example, Corona-Norco is considering dropping five school librarians; there is strong evidence that library quality, library staffing and the presence of a credentialed school are related to reading scores.  California has among the lowest reading scores and the fewest school librarians per student in the nation.

 At the same time, the state continues to fund budget items that are at best useless and may be harmful. Right now, California taxpayers pay for a High School Exit Exam, high-stakes standardized tests for second graders (No Child Left Behind only requires tests starting at third grade), and a fancy computerized PE test (the "Fitnessgram"). Research has so far failed to find any benefit for these tests.

Dumping these useless (and painful) tests would save a billion dollars every few years, and take some of the financial pressure off school districts. 

Stephen Krashen



What appeared:

Dumps tests; save money

I was sad to read about the proposed cuts in the Corona-Norco Unified School District ("District finds 165 jobs to cut," March 1).

Local districts throughout the state are being forced to cut positions and reduce services in areas known to help children. For example, Corona-Norco is considering dropping five school librarians. I believe that library quality, including sufficient library staffing, is related to reading scores.

At the same time, the state continues to fund budget items that are at best useless and may be harmful to students.

Right now, California taxpayers pay for a high school exit exam and other testing beyond that required by No Child Left Behind. I know of no benefit from these tests.

Dumping these useless (and painful) tests would take some of the financial pressure off of school districts.

STEPHEN KRASHEN

Los Angeles