They argued that the test was meaningless and unnecessary stressful, particularly for students already facing advanced placement and other tests. But the Oakland protesters argued that such wealthy schools had an unfair advantage on the test. Those with large immigrant populations are at an even greater disadvantage because the test is given only in English, they said. We don't have the books, teachers, counselors and after-school programs to help us prepare. Superintendent Dennis Chaconas, who did not attend the rally, said in an interview that taking the Stanford-9 would help students on other important standardized tests, including the state's upcoming high school exit exam and the SAT college entrance exam.
Accountability is something that public education has shied away from.
The protesters argued yesterday that the test should be dropped because poor, urban schools would never be able to compete successfully. Kids First, told the crowd. You should not have to compete for resources. The San Francisco Chronicle. Brains Show Signs of Two Bilingual Roads For adults, learning a second language can be a real challenge.