"For 17 years I have taught children in public schools. Under NCLB, my fourth-grade students are constantly being assessed. Some students have been told by their parents or teachers that they will fail their grade if they do not pass the federal- and state-mandated standardized tests. The students become so afraid that they cannot do their best.

"This year during testing, I had five students who became physically ill during the standardized test because they were so stressed. Three others began crying when they came to an answer they did not know.

"These young children do not need so many tests and stresses in their lives. Please stop comparing apples to oranges. All students are individuals and should be judged on their own efforts and not constantly expected to reach the same point, all at the same time. Stop this insanity."

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