TESTS: Scores not good enough

Aug. 20 article “Cd’A scores second in Idaho skills test” makes me wonder what standards the Idaho Reading Indicator use. Sounds like the bar set is far too low considering that in Coeur d’Alene only 61.6% of students ranked proficient in English, only 50.3% scored proficient in Math and only 58.9% scored proficient in Science. You’d think these scores would be embarrassing. What is this saying for our Gem State of Idaho? Not so Gem, right? I wonder if the influx of people moving here are aware of these facts.

Why is it that North Idaho STEM Charter Academy had more than 90% of students reading at grade level? According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, charter schools provide high-quality instruction from teachers who have the autonomy to design a classroom that fits their students needs. They are led by dynamic principals who have the flexibility to create a school culture that fosters student performance and parent satisfaction. This reflects the hard work that the teachers, administrators and students put into learning every single day.

So what does this tell you about our teachers, administrators and students in our public school system? It would seem obvious that our administrators would check into Charter Schools to see what has been working for them.

More school bonds is not the answer. It is the responsibility of our legislators to ensure that enough money is secured from the state not the taxpayer.

JoANN LOKKEN

Coeur d’Alene