In response to David Herrington's letter ("World is full of mandatory tests," April 29) about his lack of understanding as to why teachers are opposed to standardized testing, Mr. Herrington has the wrong idea about teachers and testing. I have been teaching for 40 years on and off. I do not know of any teachers who are opposed to standardized testing. We have used tests to judge our students since forever. What is new is the number of tests being administered to students today.
Among the standardized tests students will take this year:
A twice-yearly computerized reading and math exam through their districts, which next year will be given three times.
The once-yearly English language arts and math exams required by the state.
A three-times yearly teacher-administered reading assessment.
The number of tests and the amount of time they take from teaching is what is bothering teachers, not that children have to take tests.
By the way, the state Education Department awarded a $32 million contract to Pearson, a British publishing company that has bought up a large percentage of American educational publishing companies. Pearson now controls educational publishing in the United States.
These are the things that are upsetting teachers; it's not having to give standardized tests.
Helen Olchak Otero
Delmar