HERE WE GO AGAIN

A new Missouri math assessment test received a trial run in 60 area schools recently. Gone is the strictly multiple choice format that has proved effective year after year.

Instead, the new test offers more performance-based evaluations with partial credit. The testing combines multiple choice with short answers and longer answers that demonstrate reason and logic behind the answer.

Right. Instead of judging apples against apples, this new testing will muddy the waters. The tests are sent off to be graded. At least local teachers can read handwriting and have some understanding of each child. Results could very likely be affected by the objectivity of each grader.

Why must educrats continually tinker with standards and testing that work?

Next year, the test will become a mandatory assessment for fourth, eighth and 10th graders.

What's worse is the fact that this is only the start. Plans call for performance-based assessments in communication arts, science, social studies, health-physical education and fine arts by the end of 2000.

When testing great numbers of students, the multiple-choice format offers a more systematic method of comparison.