Charter school director: When "test day came, they were like little test-taking machines.”

[madfloridian]

That is Paul Fucaloro speaking, bragging actually, about how the Harlem Success Charter schools groom their students for testing. Test-taking machines, what a sad commentary on what education is becoming.

This is part of another thread, but it deserves its own. It points out clearly the goals of one the top charter schools in NYC.

The Patron Saint (and Scourge) of Lost Schools


"We have a gap to close," says Paul Fucaloro, director of instruction. "I want the kids on edge, constantly."
(Photo: Yolo Monakhov for New York Magazine)

The day before the scheduled math test, the city got socked with eight inches of snow. Of 1,499 schools in the city, 1,498 were closed. But at Harlem Success Academy 1, 50-odd third-graders trudged through 35-mile-per-hour gusts for a four-hour session over Subway sandwiches. As Moskowitz told the Times, “I was ready to come in this morning and crank the heating boilers myself if I had to.”

“We have a gap to close, so I want the kids on edge, constantly,” Fucaloro adds. “By the time test day came, they were like little test-taking machines.”

They actually have a so-called Kindergarten boot camp.

New students are initiated at “kindergarten boot camp,” where they get drilled for two weeks on how to behave in the “zero noise” corridors (straight lines, mouths shut, arms at one’s sides) and the art of active listening (legs crossed, hands folded, eyes tracking the speaker). Life at Harlem Success, the teacher says, is “very, very structured,” even the twenty-minute recess. Lunches are rushed and hushed, leaving little downtime to build social skills. Many children appear fried by two o’clock, particularly in weeks with heavy testing. “We test constantly, all grades,” the teacher says. During the TerraNova, a mini-SAT bubble test over four consecutive mornings, three students threw up. “I just don’t feel that kids have a chance to be kids,” she laments.

These schools do have high test scores. But there are reasons for that which go beyond the regimentation. They have ways of getting rid of the non-productive students. Public schools can not do that.

At Harlem Success, disability is a dirty word. “I’m not a big believer in special ed,” Fucaloro says. For many children who arrive with individualized education programs, or IEPs, he goes on, the real issues are “maturity and undoing what the parents allow the kids to do in the house—usually mama—and I reverse that right away.” When remediation falls short, according to sources in and around the network, families are counseled out. “Eva told us that the school is not a social-service agency,” says the Harlem Success teacher. “That was an actual quote.”

Not a big believer in special education.

Eva Moskowitz and her "in" with Joel Klein makes it possible for her to move her school into public school buildings one by one without following proper procedure.

Any such expansion would obviously require a significant change in our school building’s utilization, without any of the public procedures outlined in the school governance law having been implemented. As I’m sure you are aware, the governance law, A8903, requires that any significant change in public school utilization in New York City must be preceded by an Educational Impact Statement issued at least six months before the start of the new school year, as well as a joint hearing of the DOE, the CEC and the School Leadership Team at the affected school; and finally, a vote of the Panel for Educational Policy.

None of these events have occurred in this case

To hear a director of a charter boast about training "little test-taking machines" is truly sickening.

I don't understand why parents don't find this offensive.

[Angry Dragon]

1. RTTB

Race to the Bottom

[LiberalFighter]

2. More like brainwashing

[peacebird]

3. "Test taking machines" - in other words they can puke out facts, no analysis or thought, just vomit

These kids are not being taught how to use facts, or how to analyze or THINK, they are being "taught" to memorize and repeat. Kind of an advanced game of "Polly want a cracker?"

Sad.

[Recursion]

22. Yup. You need to be able to do that before you can analyze

Some educators are so insistent on getting past Bloom level 1 that they forget that you actually have to get to level 1 before you can get past it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

37. Bloom is so yesterday

I don't think they even teach Bloom in teacher ed programs any longer. And we know for sure that TFAers don't learn about Bloom. No time in that quickie summer program.

Anyhow we have moved from Bloom to DOKs. Depth of Knowledge. http://www.ecarter.k12.mo.us/dept/curriculum/dok.html#What_is_Depth_of_Knowledge

[Recursion]

51. I don't see a huge difference between DOK 1 and Bloom 1

Though the importance of recall in and as part of a sequence seems like a great idea.

Is DOK 1 supposed to precede DOK 2 and higher? (I know, it's descriptive rather than taxonomic; I actually like that if I understand what they're getting at.) If so I think my argument still stands: the "basic" level (which is what can be easily and quantitatively assessed) would still have to come first. Once kids are there we can worry about DOK 2 + (though, I'm already falling into a taxonomy by saying that; I will read over this link more closely.)

[chervilant]

53. Actually

Bloom's Taxonomy remains an integral aspect of teacher 'training' here in Texas. Furthermore, we are required to develop questions regarding our lesson plans that 'encourage' our students to process at higher levels in the taxonomy.

How many humans do you know who routinely operate in levels 4 through 6?! Even teachers are mired in the minutiae of rote education, regurgitating factoids from the texts du jour. This regurgitation most often qualifies for levels 1 or 2, seldom ever 3 or higher. Bloom's taxonomy has become the finger pointing at the moon, as have the myriad other 'learned' approaches to public education (my sarcasm stems from my recent experience as an 'accelerated teacher certification' candidate).

I fear we humans have become the embodiment of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, anticipating different results. We are definitely prone to magical thinking in this and other important realms.

I am left to ponder, how long will we be mired in the raw sewage of our narcissism and hedonism? How long before we, as a collective, get a clue?

[Monk06]

4. All and all just another brick in the wall..........n/t

[MissB]

5. Maybe the parents are hoping that it lays the foundation for their kid's success.

Just a guess. Maybe their local public school is seen as irreparable. They probably aren't thinking in terms of test scores versus critical thinking skills- they may simply not have that luxury.

Whatever their reasons for putting their kids in this charter school, well, it's sad. The kids aren't really getting the best school experience. And I'd be surprised if many of them could think critically.

There is more to school than testing constantly.

I remember back when my now 7th grader was in kindergarten. He was able to participate in a literature group- you know, where they all read a book and discuss some questions that have no right or wrong answers but instead are designed to make you think?

That was a great experience for him, and for me. I knew we'd put him in an awesome public school. And you know what? The school's scores rock. Not because our kids are tested constantly, but because they have time to explore and grow.

[Luminous Animal]

6. Only someone who hates children wants them on edge constantly.

[madfloridian]

7. Not wanting kids to learn in a relaxed setting....

that is just way out of line.

[defendandprotect]

46. +1000% --

[TK421]

58. Or wants to turn them into a bunch of Teddy Ruxpins nt

[Starry Messenger]

8. k & r

[Rage for Order]

9. Why the disdain for tests?

Certainly some tests are subjective, but a student demonstrates proficiency in algebra, calculus, statistics, trigonometry, chemistry, physics, or numerous other math and science courses by doing well on tests in the subject matter. Sorry, but a kid who scores a 50 out of 100 on an algebra test has failed, and no amount of self-esteem building exercises will bring that score up to a passing grade.

[madfloridian]

10. If you have to ask, then nothing I say would matter.

And if you like test-taking machines, you will love the new reforms.

Way to misinterpret and misread.

But really, I am not surprised. I think most parents now are fooled into thinking it is good to have a little test-taking machine. :shrug:

[Rage for Order]

11. No, seriously

I believe that testing is an important part of school in that it evaluates the level of comprehension a student has over certain subject matter. Math is black-and-white: there is only one correct answer to 2+2, and it is not open to interpretation. Students who do not score well on a math test do not understand the math concepts covered on that test. On the other hand, social studies, literature, history, and other "soft" subjects are more nuanced and do not lend themselves as easily to standardized testing.

[madfloridian]

12. That is not at all what my post is about.

I am amazed how many froth at the mouth and accuse me of not wanting accountability and hating testing.

Get back to me when you figured out what I was saying.

[Rage for Order]

13. Froth at the mouth?

I don't think that's an accurate depiction of my response to your OP. What part of my post leads you to say I'm frothing at the mouth?

The kids in this particular school have hundreds of other schools (the article references 1,498 other schools in the city) that they can attend if their parents object to the teaching methods that this school employs. There will always be parents who push their kids too hard at things: school, football, baseball, golf, tennis, beauty pageants. Have you watched Toddlers and Tiaras?

[madfloridian]

15. No, public schools now are doing the same thing. Test test test.

That is the new philosophy under Arne's tenure.

I guess you are not getting all of what I am saying.

Bye for now.

[Luminous Animal]

14. Memorizing 2+2 = 4 has little to do with understanding math concepts.

I raised my daughter in an environment with zero testing and had no problem tracking her comprehension level. She started community college when she was 13 and she, though smart, is not a genius.

[Jim__]

52. Thank you. That was my first thought when I read the 2+2=4 comment and its ...

association with "math concepts."

[uncommon]

56. Most people do not need a deep understanding of "math concepts" --

they need the basic skills to balance a checkbook and pay bills and leave a tip for dinner.

Let's be fair here - those who need very deep understanding of mathematics will get it in college, not K-12.

I made it to AP Physics and Calculus in high school and it was an utter waste of my time and the system's time and resources.

[chervilant]

65. hmm...

On whose authority do you assert that 'most people do not need a deep understanding of "math concepts"'?

Perhaps a big part of the problem with public education is our species' tendency to conflate hierarchy with every aspect of our existence. Thus, we establish a protocol for educating our youth wherein we 'adults' presume to know exactly what information is appropriate for each and every child. Thus, we apply consumerism's 'new and improved!' strategies to how we should 'test' to make sure we've successfully 'educated' each and every child.

I could go on, but I doubt that my thoughts will make a difference to you, even though your personal experience (making it to AP Physics and Calculus) richly illustrates what I'm trying to convey.

(BTW, I LOVE math, and physics, and would have been thrilled to get AP instruction in both subjects while I was in HS. Then, when I got to college, I had a calculus teacher who was offended that I--a lowly woman--had the unmitigated gall to be in his classroom. Now, I find that I love fractal mathematics, and hope to reach a deeper understanding of fractals before I leave this planet. Please don't pigeonhole our youth, and presume that they don't 'need' a deep understanding of math.)

[nadinbrzezinski]

69. Let me correct the person answering you

You do not need an advanced knowledge of math and physics, or for that matter of civics and history... if all we, at a policy level, have decided you can aspire to is to be a Walmart greeter.

I hate to point this out, but one reason for all this... is the new and improved service economy. As well as a deeply rooted sense of anti intellectualism. We will pay for this in such a deep way that those defending this will get it, ONLY when it finally it is so obvious it is not even funny.

Oh and you know what this school reminds me off? Japan c. 1980s. They are NOW abandoning this method of teaching and has been deemed a failure. Granted for a few kids it is what the doctor ordered... after all not all kids are little machines.

[chervilant]

73. Indeed

Ignorance is bliss...

[tinymontgomery]

74. Well, I barely made it through Algebra 1

(4 maths were not required back then). I then went into the Navy in 1980 as a enlisted navigator type. By three years I could do celestial navigation, work with navigational time (can become very complicated), tides, currents and plotted the ship across the Atlantic, Med, and into the Red sea, all of this deals with math, algebra, and geometry (which I never took). Some of us just aren't good at class room type math but in the work force we can put it together quite well.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MissB]

18. I would suggest that a kid can't do much of the math above pre-algebra without

good critical thinking skills. Higher math doesn't take rote memorization - it requires a deeper understanding. I think that one reason folks struggle with Algebra (and therefore don't go beyond) is because it takes more than memorized facts to muddle through.

Personally, I believe that there is a serious connection between math and music, and that all kids would benefit from instruction in music from the start of their school career. Off-topic, of course.

As I said upthread, my kid(s) have been exposed to critical thinking since at least kindergarten. They are particularly successful. Is there a connection? Probably.

I know I took algebra in my freshman year of high school. My oldest took it in 5th grade and is currently taking HS math (and will burn through all available standard HS math by his freshman year). I'd put him up against any kid in this charter school.

And frankly, who do you want designing the next generation of space craft, or power plants? Some kid who learned to think, or some kid who learned how to regurgitate a bunch of facts?

[AngryAmish]

29. I masturbated furiously all the way through high school. I'm successful. Is there a connection?

Probably.

Karl Popper is rolling over in his grave.

[bertman]

41. You should run against Christine O'Donnell.

[LostinVA]

19. They are assesment tools, not a means to an end

[proud2BlibKansan]

38. We now spend more time testing than teaching

That's why.

[madfloridian]

40. And the teaching part is mostly defined by what is on the tests.

And that means the testing companies are setting the agenda.

[proud2BlibKansan]

43. Tomorrow is the end of the third week of school.

We are still testing ELL kids. Just started testing all of the kids for reading levels. That will take several more weeks. And next week we take the baseline test that is the predictor for the state test in the spring.

[HEyHEY]

16. Sounds like the Chinese system

It's freaky, bunch of lil' robots moping around.

[LWolf]

20. "Test-taking machines."

:puke:

I wonder how many STUDENTS want to be described that way, or to have their education reduced to that?

[madfloridian]

23. And I wonder how many realize it is happening quickly now.

I guess it's been building up to this testing culture so now we won't notice it has taken over education.

[LWolf]

49. For those of us who spend all day at school, it's been hard not to notice.

For those who don't, and who don't have kids in school, it may be like frog boiling. After all, tests have always been part of school, right?

[lonestarnot]

21. Because there are those who really don't give a flying fuck about their kids.

:shrug:

[madfloridian]

24. Imagine how public schools scores would soar...

if only they could use the Moskowitz methods to "counsel" out students who might perform poorly.

Just imagine.

[madfloridian]

25. Moskowitz forming her own PAC. Charter school owners becoming lobbyists?

"In a shot across the bow of the powerful teachers union, Harlem charter-school CEO Eva Moskowitz has launched her own political action committee to back candidates for elected office who support substantial reforms of the public schools.

"It's about choosing children over special interests. We have a lot of politicians now choosing special interests over teaching and learning," Moskowitz said of the project, called Great Public Schools PAC.

Moskowitz, the CEO of the Success Charter Network that operates seven schools in Harlem and The Bronx, stressed that her PAC is about mobilizing citizens and prodding the politicians to improve all the public schools, not just charters.

..."Responded UFT President Mike Mulgrew: "Given Ms. Moskowitz's disrespectful attitude toward the public-school children and parents who share space with her charter schools, it's hard to imagine how her new PAC will play a constructive role in public-school education."

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/eva_aims_to_pac_punch_for_schools_6eIT60ExAuBRhQciwzM75I#ixzz0ziP6XZVz

[End Of The Road]

26. I read this when it was part of the earlier thread... and when I

read it again this morning I wondered if the "test-taking machine" quote was unfair, and I did the google to see what I could find out, pro and con, about Harlem Success Academy.

There are a few "pros", from what I can tell: parental involvement (something many teachers would die for), although it may not be the most effective parental involvement; a fairly well-rounded K-3 curriculum, including hands-on science, art, music, chess, sports, and field trips (although this requires an 8-5 school day), and an emphasis on respect for education.

There are many more "cons" to this school, not the least of which appear to be unethical employment practices and high turnover, community polarization, possible misuse of funds targeted for ELL (English Language Learners) classes and Special Ed. "Eva" Moskowitz was referred to as "Evil" Moskowitz on a couple of NYC teacher blogs that I read.

Now here's my question for you, madfloridian: At what grade level is it appropriate to encourage students to think outside the box? I ran across many comments that HSA emphasis on teach-to-the-test will turn kids into unsocialized robots, and I'm not convinced about this because of the fairly rich curriculum and the fact that we're only talking about K-3 right now (so they're only tested in reading and arithmetic, right?). I don't remember being encouraged by teachers to find, or express, my individuality prior to high school. Before that that it got me sent to the principal's office.

Is there truly harm in drilling the basics into kids in these early grades? They've got to know the basics to have a shot at effective critical thinking later on. Might these kids actually be getting a leg up? I'm not an educator, so I'm just askin'.

[madfloridian]

28. I used his own words. He said them, not me. You are misinterpreting my post.

You and quite a few others. No way no how did I ever say no testing, no accountability.

I am gathering that it is now acceptable to make our little kiddies into nothing but test scores....cause Obama and Arne say so.

I have never advocated no testing at all, I have never said not to drill on facts.

I want to scream when someone doesn't get it. It's almost too late to matter anyhow.

[End Of The Road]

30. No - I loved your post! Wasn't blaming you! Know it wasn't your words!

I just wanted to know whether various critics of HSA are correct that young students like these should be given freer rein to think outside the box.

I would like your professional opinion, since I don't know, at what age it is appropriate to encourage students to think outside the box as part of an educational process. Are there ways to do it at this young age, or is it more appropriate at middle school, or even high school?

One of the many criticisms of teaching exclusively to the test is that it produces students who cannot think critically. What is the best time to start working on that in the educational process.

Jeez.

[madfloridian]

31. Both can be done at the same time. From early years on up.

I retired just before the frantic new test-taking binge began, thank God.

I always every day did drill AND we worked on critical thinking skills. We did not call them that, we incorporated them into the lessons and projects.

We did memory on some skills like spelling and word lists, math facts, deeper learning projects at the same time.

The emphasis on high-stakes tests is setting up the public school system to fail before they ever have proof that any other way works as well.

It's almost too late to stop it now.

[End Of The Road]

36. Thanks!

I've got a bunch of teachers in my family, but I, alas, am a lowly, unemployed bookkeeper. I try to stay current on education topics so I can keep up with them. I always appreciate your posts, as well as others like HannahB, proud2belib, and a few others.

Best,
EOTR

[uncommon]

55. Agreed - I was only encouraged to express myself or whatever in art class

and maybe music until high school. Most of my education was this kind of drilling.

And I turned out to be a very strong critical thinker and a very creative person - while thriving in that environment.

[chervilant]

59. Sigh...

I have a big news flash for you, End Of The Road: we humans ALL possess incredible brains that are hardwired to explore our environment, analyze the data we receive, and respond accordingly. It is both presumptuous and condescending for educators to assume that they have to 'encourage' our youth to become 'critical thinkers' since we are all gifted with that capacity from birth.

Furthermore, assessments should be used to assist our youth in developing self-awareness of their own progress with regards to learning core subjects like math and language arts. Unfortunately, our poisonous pedagogy conflates hierarchy and power with 'education,' and we continue to grapple with the now systemic obstacles to 'critical thinking.'

Ours is not a child-centric society. For more on this, and about poisonous pedagogy, please read Alice Miller.

[chimpymustgo]

27. MF, thank you for continuing to post the horrors that are happening in our schools in the name of

reform.

[KamaAina]

32. “I’m not a big believer in special ed,” Fucaloro says.

Is he a big believer in Federal law? Because IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, reuires public schools to provide special ed -- and since they are publicly funded, charters are supposed to be subject to same requirements as public schools.

Why disability activists in NYC haven't hauled this meatball into court is beyond me.

[Swamp Rat]

33. Creating a generation of worker drones who will never question authority

[madfloridian]

34. Quite true, and what a fine new pic, Swampy.

Love it.

[Swamp Rat]

35. That pic was old; this one is new:

:hi:

[ibegurpard]

44. yup

that's why corporations are so interested in "investing" in our educational system.

[bread_and_roses]

67. exactly (n/t)

[Sabriel]

39. Sounds like the Bobby Knight Academy

Raising kids to throw up under stress.

Break out the sawdust, it's test day!

[bertman]

42. I wonder in what grade they teach them to goose-step. Rec. nt

[defendandprotect]

45. Why is it always so easy to sell authoritarian ideas ... ??

What force convinces people to subject themselves and children they love to this

kind of brutality?

[midnight armadillo]

47. No social skills?

Lunches are rushed and hushed, leaving little downtime to build social skills.

Elementary school should have a high focus on play and social development. Above everything else, IMHO. This school is not doing these children any favors - they have instituted some strange fantasy of factory child education and total totalitarianism.

In fact, this type of schooling is quite simply un-democratic, this type of utter subserviance to authority cannot ultimately produce young adults able to participate in the give-and-take of a democratic civil society. Clearly in some circles this is ideal.

[Fire1]

48. Fuck what yall talking about!! ARNE IS ON POINT!! Schools

and learning should be COMPETITIVE!! The man KNOWS what he's doing cause he LIVED IN A SCHOOL!! His momma was a teacher!! Chicago schools SHOULD BE THE MODEL FOR THE COUNTRY!! Teachers already make too much money and DON'T NEED UNIONS!! ACCOUNTABILITY FROM TEACHERS ONLY!!! If junior can't read, it's the teachers fault!! Did I forget anything????

NOW!! Fuck yall and screw teachers!!! ARNE IS THE MAN!!!!

[Starry Messenger]

60. OMG

:rofl:

[Fire1]

61. Don't laugh, Starry! You know I'm not lying! There are poor

souls right on this board who actually BELIEVE THIS SHIT!!! I'm sick of hearin it and savin them the trouble of having to retort!! FUCK IT!! FUCK IT ALL!!! FUCK PUBLIC EDUCATION!!! EVERYTHING SHOULD BE PRIVATIZED!!!! ALL HEILL/HAIL/ HALE (whatever) TO ELI BROAD, BILL GATES, ARNE DUNCAN, RHEE AND ANYBODY ELSE!!!:argh: I wish there was a smiley that would pass out!!

[Starry Messenger]

63. I know, but you nailed them so well.

For two seconds there I thought the body-snatchers had gotten you! :D

If we're lucky maybe rich folks will just sell us back our air. What could possibly go wrong!

[kwolf68]

50. I have kids in public schools

Here in Virginia and the SOLs (tests) are the obsession. That is basically EVERYTHING...SOLs SOLs SOLs...

Because kids are required to do well on these tests, more time in the classroom is used to teach the information for these tests.

What has happened is a decrease in time for art and music classes.

[uncommon]

57. What I don't understand is, what are they testing that kids weren't already learning before

the testing became the norm?

[madfloridian]

62. Yes, it is narrowing the curriculum.

And that is a shame.

[proud2BlibKansan]

68. SOL? Shit out of luck???

:rofl:

[ecstatic]

54. Unfortunately, test scores mean everything in getting scholarships,

opportunities, etc. Don't begrudge these students for being taught how to play the game. Where is the outrage when rich kids go to SAT camps in the summer?

[Panaconda]

64. Utterly grotesque

Too late to K&R.

[Nikki Stone1]

66. Not a "believer" is special education? Fucaloro's feelings over diagnosis?

Really, if a kid has a diagnosed learning disability, special ed is a humane response. Fucaloro's personal "feelings" about special ed should not supercede actual diagnoses by professionals.

[Nevernose]

70. I think what he means...

Isn't learning disabilities, per se, but "behavior disorders." And the official diagnoses of professionals for most kids who can't or won't behave is "behavior disorder." My girlfriend and I are both high school teachers at inner city schools, and this is a frequent topic of conversation. Which kids have something actually, physically wrong with them -- something that should require a 504 instead of an IEP? How many are just apples that haven't fallen far from the tree, which a few dozen IEP meetings with parents would demonstrate that? Which kids can't behave, and which kids won't behave? And who gets to decide that? Whose definition do we use? Misbehaving in my classroom usually involves disrespecting another student, whereas my girlfriend's classroom is held to very strict standards; neither of us is wrong, but our, and other professionals', views of a behavioral disorder may differ radically. And what kind of resources are we supposed to devote to a student who just feels entitled to do/say whatever they want, whenever they want? Nowadays we give a kid an IEP and a specialized classroom, when their only real problem is that their parents neglected them, so they don't know how and are unwilling to function. Crack smoking gang members with a bulletproof IEP aren't just hypothetical; they're a part of my daily reality. We used to expel them, which alleviates the financial burden and let's the other kids function better, but that comes at the cost of at least one kid's education. It's a shitty situatio, and while I certainly don't trust a charter school hack to discuss it honestly, it is a situation that needs to be discussed.

My best solution is this: since the problem becomes more pronounced and more unchangeable the older a child gets, we need to focus at the secondary level. That means more interventions at the primary level, and more alternatives at the secondary level, e.g. vocational schools (which have been neglected more and more over the last three decades) and more online schools.

(Tyoed on a phone - sorry for any grammar and spelling!)

[madfloridian]

71. He used the words "special ed", and gave his school an out.

Charter schools simply should not be allowed to do that.

"At Harlem Success, disability is a dirty word. “I’m not a big believer in special ed,” Fucaloro says. For many children who arrive with individualized education programs, or IEPs, he goes on, the real issues are “maturity and undoing what the parents allow the kids to do in the house—usually mama—and I reverse that right away.” When remediation falls short, according to sources in and around the network, families are counseled out. “Eva told us that the school is not a social-service agency,” says the Harlem Success teacher. “That was an actual quote.”

If children "arrive" with a diagnosis, he should honor it. Sounds like he wants to attribute it all to behavior...and that is just wrong.

[Lucian]

72. I would never enroll my kids in that school.

If I had kids.

Kids need to learn and socialize. Not learn how to take tests. This is sad, and it's becoming more and more prevalent in this country. :(