Bad idea to link test scores, funding

Michigan’s governor, Rick Snyder, is proposing added funding for Ohio’s schools. Among the criteria for receiving the monies are increases in test scores. I can see the next headlines: “Ohio teachers accused of rigging test scores.”

What do we expect? When we put financial pressure on test scores, can we be shocked by the “massaging” of those scores? Do we expect teachers, faced with funding reductions and, possibly, job loss, to accept their fates with no protective action?

These teachers and schools should not be excused if this happens, however, in a world of malfeasance by figures from Wall Street, government, education and private industry, do we really expect educators to take their hits and slink away?

A better use for this “extra” money would be to help all schools, especially those that struggle with social and neighborhood economic problems that aren’t the school’s fault.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows