Congratulations to last week's winners: Deshon Brown, Andrew Freund, Sara Russell, James Sheldon, and Jennifer Wright. Please note: Even if you've won a mug, we welcome your votes and comments.

Responses to last week's question: When asked if they thought the state should use standardized tests as the basis for giving money to individual schools, 14 Currents readers voted yes, 8 voted no, and 2 were unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.

On the yes side:

"Absolutely. Too many students are being 'socially promoted.' Schools should demand better performance from students if they want to graduate, and taxpayers should demand that schools be accountable for the money they receive. "

". . . standardized testing seems to be the most fair way to gauge performance."

On the no side:

"I think that increased emphasis on standardized testing encourages 'teaching to the test' and discourages real learning and understanding."

"Awards of this type distort the educational process in a way that does a disservice to our children. We avoid facing the really tough issues facing our schools by adopting these kinds of quick-fix solutions."

"The thinking behind this scheme is shallow at best. The question to be considered should be 'why are underperforming schools underperforming and what can be done to bring them up to scratch?' "

Unsure:

"Another tricky question, yes there needs to be some accountability. There is a lot of opposition to the tests. Rewarding schools that do well is great, yet if a school doesn't do well, wouldn't they need money to also hire more tutors, teachers aides to help improve their scores? "
 

Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no," or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m.

Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students. Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. One mug per person.

This week's question: Are you hooked on reality-based TV shows such as "Temptation Island" and "Survivor?"

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