Keeping Score on API

Re “Fewer Schools Earn Cash From State Test Scores,” Oct. 16: Is a winning three-point shot in basketball ever reduced to two points because the team has won too often? Do the rules of baseball change after a pitcher throws a no-hitter? Don’t be ridiculous. People would rally in protest! Sadly, the “rules” in education change on a whim, especially when schools actually start to improve.

Too many schools did well on the original criteria of the Academic Performance Index? No problem. Just change the rules so fewer get an award. It’s not the lack of dollars but the lack of sense that bothers me. If you want to keep educators in the profession, play by the rules. All those in education should be held to high standards, but how can we expect to motivate players for a game that can’t be won?

Joanna Ford-Melka

West Covina