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Justanidiot - I did not skate around the issue because I don't think it is at the core of the problem. Private Schools do administer standardized tests and have strict curriculum (unless they are Montessori base teaching theory, I believe there is only one Montessori based school in Warwick). I firmly believe that if teachers focused on core curriculum then the standardized test scores will take care of themselves. Administrators are the ones testing out theories on full generations of kids and refusing to admit when they fail because of the level of consequences associated with admitting that their failure negatively impacted the lives of hundreds of children who will struggle their whole lives.

Having a set of standards per grade level is required to measure the performance of the educational product being offered, having a testing process to measure that performance is critical in providing the information needed to determine if change (quick change is required). Warwick test scores are screaming that there is a problem and the School Board and the cast of clowns administrating our schools are refusing to respond because they are too afraid that parents will call them out on unpopular decisions.

Cat2222 - I am fully aware that not every parent has enough money to send their child to private school; however, I am also aware that there is readily available financial aid for all levels (K-12) and if a child is truly exceptional the private schools will bend over backwards to get them and keep them in - case in point Rocky Hill offered a full ride (tuition free) for 4 years of High School to a student that tested in the top 3%, the student's parents didn't even have the money for the entrance exam. Catholic Schools in Warwick all have programs to help defer or eliminate costs for families.

Also, a parent that is fully engaged in seeking better educational options would demand of the school district vouchers for private school or busing to districts that can actually educate their students. I never said it was easy, in fact finding the best education for your child is one of the hardest things a parent can do and it will be filled with sacrifices (money, convenience, time, time, time and time). Sometimes the hardest thing for a parent to do is set pride aside and ask for help - the help is out there just waiting for people to ask for it.

I want to be clear here, I am not saying that public school teachers universally are not doing their jobs. As a teacher, parent and tax payer I am saying that public school teachers are not being allowed to do their jobs in the most efficient environments. IEP students mixed with Non-IEP students causes disruption, impacts teaching/learning time and is a measurable drag on the success of Non-IEP students. Common Core as a curriculum is flawed and does not create a pathway to success. Teaching to the lowest common denominator in the class room is hurting the other students. There are way too many parents that don't give a fig for the value of education and send their children to school angry and non-engaged.