letters to editors

[Susan Ohanian <SOhan70241@AOL.COM>]

The letter below was sent to the Cincinnati Enquirer, not believing
there's much of a chance they will publish it. The "News from the Front"
column in the October Substance takes up this same theme. Maybe we should
all write to as many papers as possible, calling for a one-year moratorium
on testing. We should do this because it's good strategy but mostly
because it is right.

Dear Editor:

I am profoundly saddened by Jennifer Mrozowski report "Fourth-graders
learn a lesson from tragedy."* The lesson they learn is that the Test must
go on---no matter what.

Where's the proficiency test for adults in common sense? In nurturing?

When a New York City six-year-old returned to school after the tragedy at
the near-by World Trade Center, she stated her needs very simply: "I want
to color. I want to play."

I hear reports from parents and teachers across the country of how
children's fears are reflecting our own. Now, more than ever, they need to
be reassured, they need to be nurtured, they need to have fun.

I am profoundly disappointed to learn that Ohio authorities put the test
before the needs of children. Surely we all would be better served by
calling for a one-year moratorium on testing.

Susan Ohanian

* http://enquirer.com/editions/2001/09/24/loc_fourth-graders_learn.html