Dear Editor:
After reading the Merit Exam results for the most recent tests, I again find the Brandon High School scores appalling. Forty-nine percent could not pass the math test, 37 percent failed the reading test, 56 percent failed the writing test, 44 percent could not pass the language arts exam and 39 percent failed the science exam.
However, here’s the good news: they scored 79.1 percent on social studies. Great. Suzy and Johnny have learned how to party with good social skills, but do not have the basic skills to come close to effectively functioning in today’s demanding society.
It is time that the Brandon School Board addresses the way the school system is administered and demand that the curriculum addresses the needs of 21st century academics.
Stop pandering to the students and parents that want dumbed down classes so they won’t feel bad if the student fails, such as special algebra for those who cannot pass real algebra.
What is really sad is this system will graduate close to all of the students who failed some or all of the above exams and pat themselves on the back for the wonderful job that they accomplished. What a terrible disservice to the students and our society.
The Brandon school system, as with most others in Michigan and other states, is an embarrassment.
Concerned Brandon resident,
Tom Harrelson