I don't understand how you can test first graders. It is a big year for them. Alot a kids are going to school for the first time all day, but most importantly they are learning how to read. I rather have my children learn to read, add and subtract than prepare for some test.
I also don't believe children should be given tests in first grade. My 3rd grader attended a different school in first grade and he was given 10 minute Math time tests. He had to complete a 100 problems in 10 minutes. I believe that is why he hates math now.
I could go on and on, but I won't. Our taxes are not being used wisely and like alot of parents in my school district we want to know the break down of where our tax money is going. My school district has to cut 2.5 million dollars out of their budget for Fall of 2004 and we are furious the classroom sizes will be larger and our kids won't have extra programs available to them.
Maybe the next presindent will fix the problems in our country instead of trying to fix other countries who don't want America there.