Presents varied responses to Ramsay Selden's proposed student assessment reporting model in the same "School Administrator" issue. Opinions of the four educators surveyed range from outright rejection of score adjustment to statements stressing the importance of context and subgroup profiles. (MLH)

Regarding Japanese students' high achievement levels, there are two important defining characteristics: high standards in all aspects of life and effort in problem solving. The idea of natural ability or talent is not very important. Ironically, Japanese colleges and universities are inadequate, despite rigorous qualifying examinations. (MLH)

Mandated state testing, college entrance exams and their perceived need for higher and higher grade point averages have raised the anxiety levels felt by many of the average students. Too much focus is placed on state test scores and college entrance standards with not enough focus on the true level of the students. The author contends that…

Rather than establish a national test, we should examine what other industrialized nations require of their children. Persistence and creativity are not easily tested, and results are bound to be oversimplified. Developing basic American education standards is appropriate only if every public school is equipped with adequate resources. (MLH)

The effective-schools movement as currently promoted by profit-oriented consultants has been contaminated by five fallacies: all children have equal learning opportunities; principals (not teachers) are instructional leaders; standards should be set by exceptions; academic standards should be uniform; and teachers should work smarter, not harder.…

A competitive school ambience will further distinguish winners from losers in an increasingly fractured and stratified society. Disadvantaged students have little chance to win the standards game. Educators should examine the gilded age's hypocrisy; what gallantry existed the night the Titanic sank applied only to first-class female passengers.…