Submitted by Shanna Kofman, Nov 6, 2007 19:14

On behalf of the New York City Student Union, I believe the report card system will ultimately improve the quality of public schools; however, I disagree on the way the scores are calculated. Too much emphasis is put on standardize tests. This emphasis can result in a negative effect on both the curriculum and the value of education in schools. Teachers who base their curriculums on the material tested in one standardized exam cannot motivate their or gain their any enthusiasm. Putting more pressures on schools and principals to simply receive passing results on a single test in the end of the year limits creativity and interest in the subject taught at the school. A student will not be able to find any use in the subject, but will regard it with disdain and indifference. More emphasis should definitely be put on attendance. Simply put, more students like and attend better schools.

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