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Outrages

  

9486 in the collection  

    Who's Going To Stand Up to The Standardistos for the Sake of These Massachusetts Kids?

    If this story does not infuriate you and inspire you to activism against Standardisto-ism, Quick! Get someone to check you for a pulse. You might be dead.

    Feb. 28, 2003

    From: Leslie Linson

    Candido received a 218 on December's re-test. 220 was the passing score. He got 23 problems correct. (The MCAS coordinator at his school says this would be a passing grade on the May test, but since this is a retest and is considered easier, the bar is set higher).

    This was the fourth time he took the test. He worked with a private tutor this time around, and the tutor said he worked really hard. Interestingly, the tutor commented (in front of Candido!) that he wasn't worried about the material - Candido had a good grasp; but that he was worried about Candido's thinking process.

    He has a documented serious math disability. We adopted him at the end of 8th grade, after a childhood of neglect and some physical abuse with his birth family. He does not get good grades, but would have graduated but for the MCAS. School doesn't come easily to him, however at our urging he has achieved passing grades and good attendance in order to get a high school diploma.

    We are very proud of him.

    Thanks for your support,


    March 1, 2003
    From: Leslie Linson

    Your support means alot. This is a strangely isolating experience. Ever since Candido came to live with us at the age of 14, our drumbeat has been "get your high school diploma". He has stayed at home and away from gang members, has forced himself to walk away from potential fights, has shunned drugs and alcohol, has worked his butt off at Arby's - and graduation from high school was going to be a huge celebration of staying alive, out of jail, out of trouble. The joy and sense of accomplishment has simply drained away with the MCAS failure. All I can do is tell him we're very proud of him, and that there are people all across the state who are working to get diplomas for kids like him.

    Thanks again.

    Leslie

    — A Massachusetts Parent

    March 1, 2003

    INDEX OF OUTRAGES

Pages: 380   
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