That topic will inevitably be scored on attitudes and values rather than on composition, grammar or spelling. One National Assessment of Educational Progress test contains three questions that ascribe unworthy motives to the white settlers who came to America, three questions that measure the student's support of radical environmentalism and a question instructing students to write a letter to their U.S. senators telling them which government programs the student wants funded. Nationally, tests are planned to be given only in reading and math. This means that English, science and history will be given short shrift or even omitted, since tests will be all that matters in evaluating teachers and schools. Then there is the announced goal called accountability, a word that cries out to be followed by a preposition and an object.
Accountability has no meaning unless one is accountable to someone or something.
It appears that the plan is to make the schools accountable to the U.S. departments of Education and Labor. But, what parents want is accountability to parents and local school boards, not to a federal or state agency. Would you like to see them add this columnist to their newspaper. Use this form to find your local paper's email address and recommend this columnist. Member Groups Accuracy in Academia Accuracy in Media Acton Institute Association of Christian Schools American Conservative Union American Family Association Amer.