Published: June 27, 2005

Give students mental challenge

The author of "Keep standards for all" [Editorial, June 18] may be sincere, but is ill-informed. State Education Commissioner Richard Mills has consistently spoonfed manipulated data to the Regents (and public), to prop up his dismal record and justify his policy of intensified high-stakes testing.

The truth is, test results have been so poor that they are regularly "scaled" to achieve the desired results. Example: 34 out of 86 points equaled a "65" on the January 2005 Math A Regents, and this is typical. High standards? Accountability?

By contrast, students in alternative schools using portfolio reviews research, write, present and defend theses in core subjects from the state curriculum in order to graduate. This is a rigorous alternative that requires critical thinking and effective communication - far greater skills for future success than rote memorization needed for exams.

Beth Bernett
Manhattan

----------------------------