Demand more of students, teachers

I am amazed and appalled that in order to have students do well on tests, the answer is to make the tests easier.

If, at Harper College, 50 percent of incoming students need remedial math, 20 percent require remedial English and 15 percent require remedial reading (March 17 story), it would seem they are not getting the education they need in high school.

My observation has been that the curriculum is far too full of "easy classes" that a lot of students take, not realizing the consequences. We need to narrow down the choices and toughen up the curriculum.

Teachers wanted smaller classes and money poured into most suburban school systems. But grades did not get better, so classes got even smaller. Recently, one of the articles said that in St. Charles, class sizes of 13 to 16 students are being recommended. How much smaller can classes get with no visible results?

We need to expect more of students and teachers. Parents have accepted mediocrity for too long and more money and bigger and better facilities does not seem to be the answer.

Janice Gargantiel

Batavia