[Grovenet] Opinion wanted

[Marian Cakarnis]

My daughter is in 3rd grade in the FGSD and I also watch the test scores.
But I would NEVER select a school based on test scores alone!  I do want my
daughter to get a good education, but there is so much more to education
than what is measured by math and reading tests.  

I always come back, to what I want most for her.  What I want most is for
her to be a happy adult.  Her happiness will have a lot to do with her
self-esteem, and therefore I need to be sure she is given every opportunity
to learn and progress.  Yet, music, art and social environment all
contribute to a solid education and there aren't any test scores that
measure this.  One of my favorite parenting books is: 'The Childhood Roots
of Adult Happiness' by Edward Hallowell.  In the book, I remember something
about "not every Yale or Harvard graduate is a happy person" - in fact, some
of them are miserable.  

Would I like my daughter to go to a prestigious university someday - yes,
but only if it is what she really wanted and if it was right for her.  So,
how much difference do test scores really make?  

While reviewing her school papers today, I noticed her math homework is
pretty similar to what I learned 40 years ago in 3rd grade.  The methods are
a bit different, but are kids really learning more math?  Do the test scores
reflect that they are learning more?  I don't think so.  They have more to
learn, because the world is far more complicated than it was 40 years ago.
But none of this other stuff is measured.  Many good schools teach a lot
more than basic math and yet the scores can't reflect on many of those
intangible values. 

The test scores don't tell the whole story and the validity of the scores
and what they mean is pretty vague.  The important thing to me, is that she
learns every day at school and develops into someone who loves to learn.  If
she has the support, to develop this love for learning, I feel she can be
successful and have a fulfilling life.  

My random thoughts....
Marian


-----Original Message-----
From: grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com [mailto:grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com] On
Behalf Of chuck
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:32 PM
To: Forest Grove local interests list
Subject: [Grovenet] Opinion wanted

Hi folks,

Over on the Forest Grove Live board, I had a reader submit the following 
question.  And since I know the good people here will have lots of 
opinions :)  I thought I'd post it here as well.

I can transfer the commentary back the the board, or if you like you can 
comment yourselves - anonymously too if that is your wish...

www.forestgrovelive.com

The question....

"Recently moved to Portland and have been considering living in Forest 
Grove for the small town. However my research of the schools has me 
thinking I need to stay away for the sake of my children's education. 
Would love to hear other's opinions vs. what the test scores show"

thanks

chuck
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