School is more than just its test scores

I am writing in regard to the article titled “Educators want break from federal goals” in the Oct. 31 Daily Herald.

It is absolutely mind-boggling that 80 percent of Illinois school districts are failing to improve in the past year. The problem seems to be more than our education policy, however.

As a high school student, I believe that standardized test scores should not define the success of a school district.

The “mixed bag” diagram of charts regarding which Illinois schools have decreased in scores and which have greatly improved really gave me some insight. The school I attend is Glenbard South High School, which is seen in the “biggest decrease” categories for all three subjects. As a student of this school, that was truly upsetting to see.

No Child Left Behind does not supply authentic standards for high schools. Every district is different, and each school within it has its own path to success. Glenbard South, for example, was once in one of the highest-ranking school districts in America. It is now on the biggest decrease list.

Since I am a senior at Glenbard South, I can say that the school is gradually changing year by year. There are some good years, and some bad. I do not believe that test scores tell a lot about a school or district at all.

Madihah Sharif

Glen Ellyn