Follow the Money, Redux

I've expressed my low opinion of the Common Core here before, but I just heard this today and, in light of today's earlier post, thought it relevant.

Forget, for now, my opposition and the reasons for it to the Common Core.  Consider this, "Follow the money."

Apparently, the testing companies get from $15 to $30 for every test taken.  That is, each student who takes the test gets the testing companies $15 to $30.  Now, consider that the test have a built-in 30% failure rate, that 30% of the scores will be failing.  (At least that's what this expert from Florida, who identified herself as a left-leaning liberal, who has studied the test, who has lost her job as an administrator because of opposition to it, maintained.)   Of course, in many areas, far more than 30% fail the test.

Then consider that each elementary and junior high student takes the test at least once a year.  (Hold on to that idea for just a minute.)  But high school students take multiple tests, including achievement, subject-area tests, etc., up to 5 or 6 or even 7.  And remember the failures......  Also, remember that each test taken nets the testing company from $15 to $30, that is more than $100 up to more than $200 for high school students.

Now that's if each high school student, other than the 30% built-in failure rate (according to this lady on the radio today), takes the test(s) only once.  Failing the test means taking it a second time--with, of course, the commensurate $15 to $30 per student re-taking it.

Do we finally see the picture, even without a calculator?  Haven't we been told for years and years, by Republicans and Democrats alike, that we shouldn't use our children as pawns, as laboratory rats?  I guess when money is concerned, we're just kidding.  And I was naive enough to believe that "We're there for the kids."  Well, I guess "we are," except when something else comes up, such as testing or start and dismissal times or sizes of athletic teams (esp jr high), etc.

"Follow the money......"