Your Opinion: Teach to the test - the ACT test

Dear Editor:

I believe we need to be teaching to the test in the Jefferson City School District. The test is the ACT.

My wife and I will be sending our fourth child to college in the fall of 2015. Like all parents we have to deal with the financial demands.

There is a direct link in most universities between costs and ACT results. For example, if a student scores 28 or higher on the ACT, there is a guaranteed tuition reduction of $5,000 annually at Missouri State in Springfield. Achieve a 30 and that amount goes up to $12,500.

The ACT reflects the acumen of a student achieved over years of preparation yet, much could be done, especially at the high school level, to prep a student specifically for that exam.

I've always told my children to focus on what matters. Money matters. Yes, let's teach to the test but let's make it the test that counts.

Also, I offer the following for consideration. Is it possible that the current middle schools in the district be used as two distinct and separate high schools?

Could the current high school be used to house the sixth and seventh grades? Might Simonsen be used for the eighth grade? Could Adkins Stadium remain as the site for football for both schools and the Miller Performing Arts Center the site for theater?

Naturally all facilities would require expansion and renovation, yet the costs might be substantially less than current proposals.

Food for thought.