Education testing
Standardized tests have been part of public education as far back as any of us can remember. In the olden days of standardized tests, we picked up our No. 2 pencils, filled in little circles on whatever day(s) the tests showed up with no preparation (aka teaching for the test). At the end of the testing time, we dutifully put down our No. 2 pencils and never really knew nor cared what the tests tested. The teachers the next day went on about the business of educating us far beyond any tests we took.
Since the inception of Standards of Learning exams, students know the onus is on them to pass the tests so their schools can be accredited. These students go through the stress or simply no longer care whether they pass or fail. Teachers are stressed and feel the burden of making sure their students get the schools accredited. No more need for critical thinking, which the tests most definitely do not measure.
The time has come for our lawmakers and officials to do critical thinking about the usefulness of these tests.
Having retired two decades ago, I can say with no recriminations that I never taught to the SOLs. I didn’t believe in them; I wanted my students to expand their minds through essays, group discussions and understanding why pieces of literature were indeed classic and universal.
Parents, teachers and administrators need to question how much longer SOLs are going to be the machine that drives teaching but not necessarily education. Let teachers do what they signed up to do, what they pledged to do for the students.
Sharon M. Haring, Virginia Beach
Republican restrictions
Re “Statewide ban on cellphones in Virginia classrooms to take effect next year” (July 9): Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed an executive order that will ban the use of cellphones in schools. I actually agree with this directive, however, things have taken a strange turn in Republican politics lately.
During the pandemic, far-right individuals and Republican politicians protested the wearing of masks and recommendations for receiving vaccinations because it infringed on their personal liberties. The party that has traditionally railed against government interference has recently been implementing laws that do just that.
Republicans have pushed legislation to ban books in school libraries, restrict what is taught in history classes, restrict the rights of women to control their reproductive health and restrict health care for transgender individuals, gay rights, etc.
So what is next for the Republican Party? Let me offer a suggestion: a ban on the manufacture, sale and ownership of assault weapons. Think of the lives that have been taken and injuries that have been received by people using these weapons that have no other purpose but to destroy life. If the Republicans are looking to further infringe on our rights as citizens, I can think of no better cause than this.
Realistically, I am not holding my breath on this one. It would take too much initiative and backbone to do what the majority of Americans think is reasonable; and that is beyond the scope of the current Republican Party.
Ronnie Ciampoli, Norfolk
God intervenes
Please realize that God intervened Saturday to save former President Donald Trump’s life for the purpose and plans he has for him. God’s plans always prevail.
Robert Morrison, Virginia Beach
Go Trump
Saturday we saw former President Donald Trump get shot. Saturday we saw a leader with great instincts get down afterward. Saturday we saw a true leader realize that the world was watching and let it know he would be OK.
Saturday we saw a fighter encouraging his supporters to continue their efforts. Saturday we saw a strong leader with great courage. Saturday we saw the man who should be the next president.
L.B. Reavis, Virginia Beach
Here we go
A registered Republican quasi-sharpshooter almost killed former President Donald Trump, and now I hear about Republicans vowing vengeance against President Joe Biden. That’s the kind of logic we can expect from the GOP.
Gary Ollila, Chesapeake
Could it be?
Is it possible that the people who have been lying to us about President Joe Biden’s accomplishments, frailties and mental fog are also lying to us about former President Donald Trump’s past actions and his future intentions?
Don Lovett, Smithfield
Tom Hanks
With President Joe Biden standing on shaky ground as a nominee, several “usual suspect” political alternatives have been getting some press. Not receiving press are some well-known names with gravitas and admiration.
Tom Hanks is one of those. Although there is no doubt in my mind that he doesn’t want the office — he has called it “one of the crappiest jobs” — given the choice of him or former President Donald Trump, I would hope he would be considered.
William H. Miller, Virginia Beach
Immunity
I have been taught the U.S. Constitution is a living document. It looks like the Supreme Court just killed it.
Richard Jeffers, Virginia Beach
