Educational Opportunities
Giving children an aptitude test at the end of elementary school is a ridiculous suggestion made by Frances K. Leahy (letter, Oct. 9). The letter insists that some sort of aptitude test should be given to 14-year-old children so that, “Those showing an aptitude for higher education receive academic courses in high school,” and “those who do not appear to be college material are given courses in some occupation or trade to prepare them for gainful employment.”
In essence, this test would determine how children spend the rest of their lives. Some would be deemed smart enough to receive a real education and would thus be able to attend college. The other 14-year-olds who just couldn’t cut it in the dog-eat-dog testing world would be “given courses in some occupation or trade to prepare them for gainful employment.” Are we to assume that these children would continue on with this same “occupation or trade” for the rest of their lives?
Children who are not even old enough to drive would be forced to take a test that would determine their future. They would be barred from an academic education which is the right of every American. They would also lose the opportunity to attend college which in today’s world is practically essential for advancement in society.
The letter concludes by saying that, “We would see a change in the ‘drop-out’ rate and a happier teen population if this course were followed.” In actuality, quite the opposite would occur. Imagine the consequences of placing a portion of 14-year-old children in a completely different and lower position in high school. At the age of 14 most kids are insecure and primarily concerned with being accepted by their peers. Receiving the status of “stupid” from their aptitude test would be devastating to most. A sort of “class struggle” would result with this segregation of high school students. And this conflict would cause the drop-out rate to increase.
There is no need for such a change in education. All students have the right to a complete education. Moreover, they need this education so that they will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities that will some day be before them.
WILL BREIHOLZ
La Jolla
