Georgia public school education continues to flunk in more areas than we knew.

We have been genuinely concerned about the changes in curriculum in areas such as history, social studies and civics (see links at bottom). It is obvious the social engineers consulting in the field of education are "dumbing down" the requirements for qualification at various levels in these subjects.

Well intentioned teachers are concerned, too. They tell us they have no choice but to "teach to the test" in order to move their students successfully through the process. This often precludes teaching what once was generally accepted as a reasonable concentration in important elements of the subject.

The tests now given eliminate many of the important facets of the subject thereby negating the need for study or instruction. Some teachers voluntarily still try to cover those elements not included in testing. Time and resources continue to erode this effort as the emphasis is on teaching to the test resulting in higher percentage of those who pass "successfully."

Now we learn the most elementary necessity in education, reading, is part of the reduced testing standards. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution (see link below), almost half the reading test questions in the third grade are too simple but result in greatly increased numbers of students who successfully pass on.

AJC article by Patti Gheezi