GAY GEISER-SANDOVAL -- Educationally Speaking

To set the record straight, I don’t think teachers are reviewing the

Stanford 9 tests so they can tell their students what the questions and

answers will be. But I think that possibility might occur in the future.

For that reason, we should stop the reviews now.

If a teacher can earn a $10,000 bonus by raising his students’ scores

by 5%, won’t the temptation to “help out� the students lead to unreliable

test data? Or, if a principal keeps her job based upon the school’s

Stanford 9 results, won’t the pressure increase to make sure the students

have knowledge of all test questions?

It happened in Cody, Wyo., this year: A principal resigned over

allegations that student scores increased 30% in one year because of

tampering with answer sheets. There are allegations that bonuses were

offered in Cody for score improvement, which lead to answers being

changed on the answer sheets.

Let’s plan ahead and not make the same mistakes here.

***

The Fourth of July came around again in late July, with a free concert

by the Pacific Symphony at Centennial Park in Santa Ana. We enjoyed a

spectacular night, when kids could make their own musical instruments and

learn to conduct the orchestra from director Carl St. Clair.

It was one of those picture-perfect moments when the clouds, tinted

pink from the sunset, provided the backdrop for all types of music from

the Americas. It ended with a rousing fireworks display accompanying John

Philip Sousa marches. Could there be a more American experience for you

to enjoy with your family?

In addition, Costa Mesa began a city concert in the park series this

summer. It was a great way to expose kids to four types of music in four

parks. My favorite was the Tuesday with our local Irish band, The

Feniens.

In addition to the band’s regular fans performing hand motions and

sing-alongs with the band, there was an emu wearing a hat. The drummer

wore a kilt and had the crowd in tears with his rendition of “Danny Boy.�

The kids spent hours jumping up and down to the beat and playing “London

Bridge Is Falling Down.�

So, get your kids away from the TV, the video games, the computer and

virtual reality. Take them outside to experience the reality of a summer

concert.

***

I’m in the midst of planning our family summer vacation. I’m very

jealous of teachers who tell me they can’t believe it is August already,

and their vacation is almost over. Heck, ours hasn’t even started yet!

I should have never discovered the Internet, because I feel compelled

to try to visit every Web site with a word about our vacation

destinations. I’ve found out about the abbey where you can stay and the

brothers specialize in Gregorian chants. But I feel like a failure that I

waited too long, and they are booked up.

However, we do get to pretend that we are American Indians for a

couple of days. My kids want to pass on the chance to be tied to an

anthill and try for a vision quest. Where is their sense of adventure?