Aurora Alternative High School, The Phoenix, 2000, Page 29

Description:	Gateway Exam (ISTEP)- A test that is required to be taken byIndiana high school students in order to graduate.Do you like this idea? I know that I don’t, along with a lot ofother staff members and students in MCCSC. Chuck Holloway(principal of Aurora) said,” I agree with establishing academicstandards, and holding students accountable for meeting them. Ifeel the GQE, as it stands, is a poor method by itself in accomplishing this goal.” I believe that if you went to school for 12 years,passed your classes and the passing grades that, you shoulddefinitely be able to graduate. Sure, a test would be a good ideato see what kids learned in those 12 years or even a challenge totest your knowledge. But saying that you have to take the test putsa lot of stress on students. Kate Myers said, “It’s good to havesome kind of exam that tests your knowledge. I’ve been through13 years of school and one test shouldn’t hold me back.” You alsohave to keep in mind that some people are just not test-takersbecause of stress and pressure. Thomas Herbin, a junior at Aurora said, “The Gateway should beabolished! People come from differentbackgrounds and most tests aregeared to middle class, white kids. Youshouldn’t have to take it period!”I made a survey about the Gateway Exam to make sure that I was notthe only one who felt the way I do. Ireceived a survey from an Aurora student by the name of Jeff Carter. Thefirst question asked how people felt about the Exam and he said,”How does a black man feel about the KKK?” The third questionasked if you thought it was fair to be required to take the Exam.Jeff replied with, “ Is it fair to pay taxes? I think it SUCKS!!!!!!! Andthat’s being generous.” he added. Carrie Marchant, a senior atAurora said, “I hate it! I don’t think that it’s right at all for kids. Someare extremely smart and not good at tests. I passed the Englishwith flying colors. Now I may not be able to graduate this yearbecause of the math.”Jeff Carter shows his displeasure.rX IDavid WelchGateway
Source:	http://cdm17129.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/hs-aurora/id/902
Collection:	Aurora Alternative High School

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