To the Editor:
If we in Iowa were to look at an “opt out” movement for standardized tests related to the No Child Left Behind Act, I have a great idea that will shoot Iowa schools to the very top of all schools in the nation and beyond.
All that is needed is for parents of Iowa kids who may not score at the 99th-percentile level nationally to opt their children out of taking the tests.
Hey, are we Iowans 99th-percentile smart or what?
And the bonus would be for teachers, who could then concentrate all their time on helping kids be the best they are and feeling good about who they are—worthwhile kids doing their best as part of families, communities, and the nation.
Warning: Officials who think NCLB tests are worthwhile should be allowed to take them and have their scores averaged in with those of the kids, or all of Iowa will be marked down and placed on academic early-warning status.
Sam Osborne
West Branch, Iowa.
