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Blame for PARCC scores on test-makers

In the guest column by Ralph Martire "Many reasons for Illinois' weak PARCC results," partial blame is placed upon the constructors of the test. In fact most of the blame should be placed upon them.

When only 38 percent of Illinois eighth graders met or exceed standards in English with just 31 percent exceeding or meeting standards in math and only 31 percent of high school students meeting or exceeding standards in English with only 17 percent of students meeting test standards in math with no students exceeding the test standards, something is basically wrong with the test. If the test was properly constructed, there would be a normal distribution of scores with about half the students meeting or exceeding the test standards.

I disagree with Mr. Martire when he states that the so called "disappointing results" is due to a two tiered educational system based on income of the parents. I have taught in inner city schools of Chicago. The students there get the same books as the students in wealthier suburbs. The teachers in the inner city for the most part have graduated from the same colleges as the teachers in the wealthier suburban schools.

In the poorer neighborhoods students are subjected to more violence and attend class less often. The violence permeates the schools from the environment and students, when they do come to class, are constantly subjected to disruptions in the class so the teachers cannot properly teach, and a number of the students do not do assigned classwork or homework regularly.

Finally, how much did the state of Illinois waste on a flawed test which will be used to falsely blame hardworking teachers for the poor results on the PARCC.

Stewart E. Brekke

Downers Grove

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