NCLB Standardized testing: "Is our children learning?"

[Earth_First]

This OP doesn't so much deal with the issues and problems associated with NCLB and standardized testing. What concerns me most today is the emphasis that is put on the schools by the state and federal levels to implement this testing. Today and later this week the emphasis will put children in our district at a health risk.

Our daughter begins day one of three days of standardized testing in English Language Arts on a day where temperature highs are only expected to reach the single digits with wind chills as low as -6. Tomorrow's weather is even more grave. The expected wind chill for the rest of the week is -11.

We live in a small semi-rural suburban community where most of our children walk to school. I have spoken with the superintendent's office to voice my concern, however because of the window of opportunity to administer these exams; the school is forced to complete the exams on their scheduled dates. Otherwise the district runs risk of state and federal budget deadlines for the upcoming school year.

Unfreakin'believable.

[MadHound]

1. I would be more worried about the ramifications and problems of this testing mania

Rather than the weather. I grew up walking almost a mile to school in all sorts of weather, and if you bundle them up(layers, long underwear, scarves, etc.) your daughter should be fine. I still walk a mile and a half for exercise in this sort of weather and if you dress for it, you're good.