I am not one of those liberals who dismisses all standardized testing. I actually think some kinds of mandated standard is important. For example, I'd love it if all kids are required to have a minimum knowledge of evolution, one of the absolute MUST KNOW aspects of biology. They can believe in it or not as they choose, but you can barely understand biology without an idea of evolution.

But, having said that, I think there is far, far more emphasis on the standardized tests (at least in NYC) than is healthy and no proper followup when testing can identify problems. Money and resources are often allocated to all the wrong places.

I am a huge fan of public schools. I think the basic idea is great and it really needs to be a high priority in society. And I am always in awe of anyone who can teach in public schools and make it work for both themselves and the students. I admire you. Also have a friend (delinquent in his days but now able to play the good school teacher) who teaches in the NYC public schools. We need such folk. I made some effort to find a job in public schools last time I had to look for a job. One brand new, small school really wanted me. But I don't have credentials. They basically want me to get a master's degree. Shit, I have my PhD and I'm not about to go back to school at my age! Discussing all the supposedly myriad options of what I could do to fast track, all turned out either to not really exist or would be huge pains in the ass. By contrast, that East Harlem private school I mentioned before would have hired me and put me to work in no time. I understand the need for standards for teachers too, but I've got the subject knowledge and I've done plenty of teaching and tutoring along the way, including some teaching of teaching techniques when I trained people for a college class. My need for income to support my family and lack of time for taking night classes or anything because I have a family means none of the public school options were appealing to me.

Were I to teach I would do the private school route which is somewhat hypocritical of me. But at least the East Harlem school targets a community that is really in need and so is still fighting the good fight.

But where are the yarmulkes in all this!