A recently published article in the Austin American Statesman caught my eye this weekend.  Having grown up in another state, I didn't get to experience the STAAR testing system but I have heard criticisms from a school teacher friend of mine.  The biggest criticism being that the test is designed for children on any spectrum.  Not all kids are on the same spectrum, so why should a test be?  It would be more comprehensible for this test to be administered not for grading purposes, but for testing purposes only.  Doing this early in the school year to see what subjects need to be covered to what extent would be much more beneficial than preparing children for college.  I wasn't aware that this was the main purpose of this testing system and I strongly agree with the author that it is not the way to go.  Not all children are headed toward a 4 or even 2 year degree, making this testing a waste of time and money on some.  It also adds to the peer pressure felt by students to attend such a school that offers 2 and 4 year degrees, deterring them from what they may really want to be when they grow up.