Letter: Test score article misleading, inconsiderate

Talk about it

I am writing in regards to an article published in The Dickinson Press on Tuesday written by Lisa Miller.

The article was regarding scores on a state assessment science test taken by fourth graders in 2009. I find this article to be extremely disrespectful to the students, teachers and parents that attend Roosevelt Elementary School.

The article was on the front page of the paper with the headline in big bold letters that read, “Roosevelt 4th graders’ science test scores lowest in the district.”

I think this headline and other statements made in this article try to make the school look bad and makes the students and the teachers feel inferior.

Also, this article is misleading. Why was only one year of test scores used? No one can possibly base the knowledge and intelligence of students or the capability of teachers with scores that are based on a one-time test grade! Exactly what was The Press trying to convey to the public with this article being published?

This is one prime example of inexperienced and insensitive journalism by The Dickinson Press. One thing that really concerns me is how The Press pointed and targeted out last year’s fourth grade students at Roosevelt.

These students are at such an impressionable age in their lives and to publish an article belittling these children, is inconsiderate. Shame on you! It seems to me The Dickinson Press is always looking for stories that will start controversy and these stories often negatively impact our small community.

I have four children and I am proud to say all of them attend, have attended or will attend Roosevelt Elementary School. I would like to make one thing very clear, this is a wonderful school, with extremely knowledgeable, caring teachers and bright, intelligent students. Keep up the good work Roosevelt!

Gina Wariner, Dickinson

Tags: gina wariner, opinion, letters, roosevelt