I quote, “I think I have explained my point clearly and it is not my intention to waste this space by repeating the same arguments”. That is fine by me, but why shift the goal posts, Mr DeMartino (TMID, 8 October)?

Had you followed my previous correspondence, you would have realised that the thrust of my arguments has been regarding the entrance examinations, in other words the transition from primary to secondary and from secondary to university.

With the primary to secondary exams one is dealing with 10- to 11-year-old children who can hardly handle an emotional situation with the same maturity of an adult. Therefore, one more time – it is not fair to judge the 10-year-old by a two-hour exam.

Although the transition from secondary to university level is less traumatic due to the more mature age of the students, another exam is superfluous since there would have been ample time during the year(s) to judge their competency.

Tests or assignments – call them as you wish – are indeed facts of life and I never argued against them, but to insist that the teacher’s markings and ratings are subjective, is perhaps presumptuous. If Mr DeMartino moves back the goal posts where they originally were, then, perhaps, he would realise that his arguments are somewhat outdated and verging on dictatorial. By the way, who corrects and grades entrance examinations? – surely not bus drivers! No offense to bus drivers, but their skill lies elsewhere.

A modern system uses the term and annual exam system. Report cards are sent to parents who, if interested in their children’s progress, will contact teachers with any concerns, any time during the year, especially if they detect a negative trend. The average of the marks attained during the primary years will determine whether the student is prepared adequately for the next level. Ditto for the secondary to university transients.

Mr DeMartino may appreciate the fact that periodic tests are far less stressful than one two-hour exam which determines a young lad’s ability to enter the next level.

Due to the ecological drive, the green movement and forced conservation of energy, I too will rest my case.

Joe Martinelli

London, Ontario

Canada