-> Do we get quality graduates? No--testing does not produce quality,
-> testing only finds defects.
-> Will a more exacting test produce high quality students? No.
-> We can test, test, test all we want and the quality of students will
-> not increase.  This will, as W. Edward Deming states, "Increase
-> Defects".
I prefer your statement that "testing only finds defects" rather than
the (IMO) inaccurate observation that "testing increases defects". (If
you think I'm missing the point there, I'd be happy to have you
re-explain it to me).
-> Texas runs a test dictated curriculum--if it was such a great idea,
-> why aren't people examining them.  Why do I hear teachers from Texas
-> complain about TAS? Why do I hear charges and counter-charges about
-> cheating, fudging, etc on the TAS tests?
-> Yuck--I hope they drop the idea of an exit test--won't work.
Your point about the Texas system is well taken, although I don't find
it to be "proof", but rather an example of what can go wrong in such a
testing situation. I've not heard the same charges leveled at the State
of New York. I thought that their Regency exam program was generally
considered to be fairly successful.
I do believe that, especially since public education is such a political
football with funding issues, that there must be evidence as to whether
the schools are succeeding or not. Certainly test scores seem to be, to
many (the general public, the politicians, and many persons involved in
the education system), reasonable evidence thereof.
If we are not going to use testing to determine quality, how exactly do
you see us verifying quality.
I know that you recommended a drive to the Saturn plant in TN to Matt
Smith. For me that is not as practical. (BTW, I am a Saturn owner,
although not a fanatic, convert, or proselytizer. My sister-in-law and
her husband also own a Saturn, as do my brother-in-law and his wife.)
Perhaps you might give us a hint what sort of quality control measures
we would or would not observe were we to all visit there.
Wait! I have a great idea! FidoNet EDUCATOR echo field trip! Let's all
meet at the Saturn plant over Easter break. Or is summer vacation better
for everyone? 
Sheila
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