Letter: Scores Are Pathetic

A resident agrees in this letter to the MN Sun Post July 30:

To the editor:

The results of this year’s No Child Left Behind scores are simply frightening. Only 47 percent of Armstrong and 35 percent of Cooper 11th grade students passed math?

Folks, those results are not poor, they are pathetic. In his book “Good to Great” Jim Collins writes, “Greatness is not a function of circumstances. Greatness is largely a matter of conscious choice.”

For far too long, administrators and teachers have complained about a variety of circumstances hindering education achievement. Well, with these results, the excuses must end immediately!

Imagine an airline pilot being correct 35 percent of the time; imagine a brain surgeon being correct 47 percent of the time; imagine a pitcher throwing strikes 35 percent of the time – none would have a sustaining career.

If this trend continues, our students will not have a sustaining career, nor the ability to provide correct change at a cash register 50 percent of the time.

These scores are embarrassing and appalling. If our education leaders are producing these results, then 100 percent of them need to find a different career.

The good news is that we have a new superintendent.Dr. Aldo Sicoli, with these scores, you have a remarkable opportunity to create an exceptional legacy with your leadership.

Yet, if you’re not able to produce scores of about 70 percent within three years, please resign. Also, please don’t accept any bonus money until scores surpass 80 percent. There’s no need for any bonus money paid to anyone with these results.

Todd M
Plymouth

Tags: nclb, Robbinsdale math scores