Letters

School Administrator, May, 2002

Folly of Superintendent Testing

Stephen Kleinsmith's article, "Why I Object to Being Tested" (February 2002), raises some significant questions regarding the rationale behind Missouri's recently implemented School Superintendent Assessment.

Since when did a three-hour test become a better indicator of a superintendent's success than the local community and board of education responsible for hiring him or her in the first place? To assume that it does is politics at its best.

With a huge superintendent shortage looming, it seems ridiculous to further shrink the pool of available candidates with an assessment like this. Superintendents already have jumped through numerous hoops to achieve the advanced degrees necessary to get credentialed in the first place. Can passing a three-hour test truly predict success for a superintendent? Or will it merely show they're pretty good at taking a test?

Yes, school superintendents need to be accountable to their communities. But what will a test score really tell you about a person's integrity, honesty, dedication and skill of leadership? Missouri should save its money and dedicate it to something that can make a difference.

CAROLYN OROZCO

Principal,

Seaman High School,

Topeka, Kan.

I experienced circumstances similar to Stephen Kleinsmith when I changed administrative positions and moved from Michigan to Texas.

Texas would not accept my central-office and superintendent certifications, a doctorate from Michigan State and 25 years of experience at the secondary and university levels. After passing the state exam, I promised myself that, other than to renew my driver's license, I would never again take a standardized test.

We are facing a huge shortage of educators, which will only increase over the next decade. We need to have better reciprocity between states rather than making it more difficult for districts to recruit talented leadership.

DIANE HODGES

Educational Consultant,

The Threshold Group,

San Diego, Calif.

Perhaps I need better clarification as to the true benefits of Missouri's s test for superintendent certification, but at this point I question the necessity of another assessment. It appears even downgrading to those who already have achieved quality measures in their careers to become superintendents.

In Stephen Kleinsmith's case, I was fortunate to have worked with him when he was an influential and respected leader with Millard Public Schools in Omaha, Neb. I know he was chosen to fill Nixa's superintendency based on his vast experience, quality of training, professional accomplishments and personal characteristics. A competent board of education with a vested interest in its superintendent and the needs of its district shouldn't have to be second-guessed by a one-size-fits-all state test.

Using a test to determine whether someone is fit to be superintendent voids the human element that is so important in today's schools.

SHERRI A. SCHUMANN

Instructional Facilitator,

Rohwer Elementary School,

Omaha, Neb.

One can only sympathize with Stephen Kleinsmith for questioning the necessity of passing a test to be certified as a superintendent in Missouri. Finding a new job and relocating can be stressful enough, and I'm sure that being faced with a new written exam to keep his new job only added to the stress.

One would think that the completion of a doctoral degree with a major emphasis in educational administration from an approved college or university and the recommendation for superintendent certification from that university would be adequate. Since in Missouri's view it is not sufficient, one might wonder if there is dissatisfaction with the quality of education being provided future administrators by colleges and universities. Is this the rationale for a special assessment of superintendents?

Congratulations, Steve, for passing your test!

DENNIS HARDING

Retired Director of Student Services,

Millard Public Schools,

Omaha, Neb.

I especially enjoyed reading in Kate Beem's article ("Testing Superintendents," February 2002) the reactions of the superintendents who encountered the School Superintendent Assessment.

At what point will educators insist that additional testing outside of the requirements of an accredited educational institution and its approved curricula is superfluous? When will we collectively say "enough is enough" and end this fascination with excessive and unnecessary testing?

CRYSTAL V. BURGER

Teacher,

Hickory County R-1 Middle School,

Urbana, Mo.

Teacher Attire

The issue of teacher dress is something that should have been addressed years ago so I was interested in reading Charles Waggoner's perspective ("Blue Denim Blues," February 2002).

Even when I worked as a sports coach, I dressed appropriately for my technology classes during the day--and I received much criticism. I think it's time for educators to dress and look professional if they want to be treated by the rest of the world as professionals.

In our school district, we are very specific with our students as to how they can dress. I have been gathering information to see how other districts handle this. I'm adding Waggoner's column to my collection.