[miriam2]

We currently live in Rye Brook. Our school district has a teriffic reputation and high test scores. Unfortunately, I think the reputation is undeserved because the district is obsessed with test scores above all. So long as our numbers look good compared to other top Westchester districts, the superintendent is happy. We're not, so we're considering moving or private school.

One small example: The third grade ELA (English Language Arts - reading/writing/spelling to those of over a certain age) is all reading comprehension problems with no writing. According to parents of kids in 2 different 3rd grade classes last year, their kids either had no writing assignments all year or all their writing assignments were optional, depending on the class. It's not on the test? The school doesn't care to teach it. With NYS mandating at least 2 tests per year, 3rd- 8th grade, that's a lot of years of education being sacrificed to test prep.

I know Greenwich schools have a superb reputation and high scores, but obviously and unfortunately, that's not sufficient. Are the Greenwich schools focused on educating the children, assuming that good scores are the natural by-product of good education or are they focussed on test prep for it's own sake?

[glxyman21]

It is unfortunate, but I think all districts in Connecticut are "teaching to the test" . We have to deal with the CAPT test, and now the NCLB as another measure on top.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by glxyman21

It is unfortunate, but I think all districts in Connecticut are "teaching to the test" . We have to deal with the CAPT test, and now the NCLB as another measure on top.

I have to agree. The whole "No Child Left Behind" program is a waste particularly in States like Connecticut and New York where education is such a high priority. Unfortunately our current administration is focused on the failures in the system and not the overall results. This has lead to the "teaching to the test" mentality that is all over the country now a days. I know so many educators and none of them have anything good to say about it. It is good to have tests to understand how a school is doing but it has been carried too far. Hopefully the next President will change that. Jay

[jadedSOUL83]

welcome to america Friends of mine from other countries in Europe and Asia often laugh at our education system (not only in CT). I dont even mind when they do, b/c often times its true. Our mastery of subjects, vs "just being taught" the subjects is much different. Some clear examples are mastery of Geography, mathematics, and foreign languages. Often times in America besides exceptional students, these subjects are just a joke.