Standardized Testing

I was very disappointed to read about the steps taken by Gov. Gray Davis to raise standardized test scores in the Los Angeles Unified School District (“Low-Scoring Valley Schools to Get State Help,” Oct. 17).

As a senior in high school in the district, I have come to the conclusion that the tests do not provide an accurate analysis of a student’s academic talent or growth.

In addition to being inaccurate, the tests are a nuisance during a period when class time is valuable. The test dates are in May, around the same time that Advanced Placement tests are administered.

At my high school two years ago, everyone in grades nine through 11 was mandated to take the “distinguished” Stanford 9. In hopes that scores would improve, the administration purchased a program that included instruction for teachers and materials for students to raise test scores through familiarization of test format and test-taking strategies.

We spent two days each week during the sustained silent reading period to take practice exams and review the answers together. It was truly a waste of time due to the fact that it was an honors math class.

When I saw the list of schools to be included in the proposed program, I could just see the schools’ honors and Advanced Placement classes wasting class time going over “What is the topic sentence of the first paragraph?”

ANITA MARTINEZ

North Hollywood