Submitted by Wendell Livosi, Aug 28, 2007 15:38

There is no way to improve the reading and math scores of New York City public schools unless and until performance standards are raised. We all know that the standardized tests have been "dumbed down" in order to allow a larger proportion of the testing field to pass with a minimum score. Unfortunately, with the dumbing down, there are lowered expectations.

However, performance standards can not be raised because the teachers, who have union and civil service protection, have no incentive to improve their own reading and math skills.

It is far better to give students with mediocre performance another option. Yes, New York City public schools should re-introduce a general diploma, as opposed to having every student graduate with a "so called" academic diploma. Face it, some students have more aptitude in using a wrench than a pencil. Better to teach them to use a wrench instead of raising their expectations and have them think that they have the aptitude for real academic work. That holds true for both students and purported teachers within the New York City public school system.

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