A budget cut that helps

Sent to the San Francisco Chronicle, July 19, 2010

The budget crisis is so bad that many California school districts are planning to cut several days from the school year ("School year shrinking as budget crisis grows," July 19).

Nobody appears to have considered a much more obvious way of saving money, one that will help instead of hurt: Eliminating unnecessary tests.

Let's start with the High School Exit Exam.

Analyst Jo Ann Behm has estimated that the Exit Exam cost California about $600 million a year. So far, studies show that high school exit exams do not result in higher employment, higher earnings, or improved academic achievement.

Eliminating this useless exam would, by itself, take care of about 5% of the state's budget shortfall.

Stephen Krashen

------------

iSent from my iPhone

Let's start with the High School Exit Exam.

Analyst Jo Ann Behm has estimated that the Exit Exam cost California about $600 million a year. So far, studies show that high school exit exams do not result in higher employment, higher earnings, or improved academic achievement.

Eliminating this useless exam would, by itself, take care of about 5% of the state's budget shortfall.

Stephen Krashen

Beyond Automatic Mode

Founded 1943