High Scores in Inglewood Schools

* As an Inglewood teacher, I am happy that my district is receiving recognition for improved test scores (April 30). However, high test scores are not the only indicator of successful schools, and Inglewood is far from a problem-free school district.

The Stanford 9 is a multiple-choice test that gauges phonics understanding, word analysis, reading comprehension and computation. It in no way addresses writing ability, creativity or true problem solving. Many of the high-scoring classrooms in Inglewood implement a test-driven curriculum. They do not focus on skills that will not be tested. Hence, many children in these schools know how to pick the best answer out of a choice of four but have no experience in critical thinking or multi-step problem solving.

I am concerned that these high test scores will be used to justify the lack of resources being directed to the district. We do not have enough computers or computer specialists in our schools. We have no music, art, or physical education programs in elementary schools. We have no math specialists. Our school psychologists and nurses are only sporadically present. Our schools are overcrowded and not nearly as clean as the more affluent schools to which you compared us. I am fairly certain that these schools provide most of the above-mentioned essential services.

The middle schools and high schools in Inglewood do not score nearly as high as the elementary schools. Perhaps this has something to do with a lack of true preparation for higher-level education. High test scores are a start, but do not assume that this is all that Inglewood schools need in order for students to succeed.

DOUGLAS J. MIRK

Los Angeles

* Your article gives credence to what I have always contended: that minorities would benefit more from good local schools than from schools to which they are bused.

During an eight-mile drive, I once counted 17 enormous school buses going in all directions. The cost of this long tedium inflicted on children must be staggering. I understand the reasoning behind this. But this is the wrong way to provide kids with the education that is so necessary for good citizenship.

INGRID RALSTON

Los Angeles