The Standardized Test Debate (again!)

Schools Cancel GMAT Scores
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122109733923122015.html?mod=

From the article:
"The business-school council recently announced that it would require those taking the GMAT to undergo a "palm vein" scan, which takes an infrared picture of the blood coursing through their hands. Officials said it was designed to wipe out "proxy" test taking, in which applicants hire high-scoring imposters to take the exam for them. Previously, the administrator had used digital fingerprinting. Five years ago, federal authorities broke up a ring of six fraudsters who took more than 590 exams, including GMATs, for customers who paid at least $3,000."

I thought this was from The Onion. I half expected it to say, "students need to show their ID, give a vial of blood, and prepared to sit under infrared lights so that experts in another room can actually determine if the student is taking the test or if the student is a fake." Or maybe, "scientists in Germany have now determined they can create an official standarized test taking faux who can morph into your look a la something from "Alias" and take the test for you, all without detection. But U.S. officials deny the claim stating they are working on something similar, made from corn which is more ecologically safe." The craziness!

Ok people, how about we just get rid of these ridiculous tests which do not actually determine anything relevant to how a student will perform in graduate school, or college for that matter. Research has shown them to be not fair across gender and ethnic backgrounds. Plus what about for those who can't afford the help of someone like Michelle Hernandez ("For $40K, Consultant Gets Kids Ivy-League Ready" at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95034319). The stress on young people is mounting as family members continue to impress upon them how important it is to get into the right school so they can get the right job. This doesn't even begin to address the inequalities of those who can't afford the "right" school or any school for that matter. Besides, whose to say what's "right" anyway. Whatever happened to the higher power of learning, just for the sake of knowledge?