My husband says prayers regularly that he avoids the whole SOL (standards of learning) debacle by teaching AP Euro - AP has no SOL. I don't know a teacher who has ever had anything positive to say in any way about these tests.

A kicker came last year when they added about 5 days to the teachers' year so they could "spend the extra days testing the kids to see where they need extra help." 1) no test scores could return in time to be of use; 2) there is no flexibility in teaching with an SOL curriculum - you must teach to the test. 3) The added days were really retribution against the teachers for foiling some administratively conceived rubbish.

Another friend is a guidance director at the same school. He's looking to demote himself to a regular guidance counselor at a middle school where the bulk of his time will not be spent dealing with SOLs and graduation. Actual counseling? What a horror to even consider doing such a thing while there is meaningless politics to more uselessly dominate the day.

Teachers and counselors are bailing all over the place. But, that's probably part of the plan - piss off those higher on the pay scale so new, naive bodies can take their place. After all, with SOLs, you don't need to think, just follow directions thoughtfully provided.

Finally, VA SOLs use a proprietary scoring system so they cannot be used to compare performance between Virginia students and the national figures. It cost lots more to do this rather than use one of the many proven systems already widely in use, but it obscures the results well enough to justify the expense.

Well, I feel better now for that little rant, thanks Andrea!

Kelly