• Excellent schools can be labeled as failing.
  
  
• Mediocre schools can be labeled as excellent.
  
  

An accountability system based on testing alone can cause schools to “teach to the test” at the expense of all other academic and enrichment considerations, and potentially create the perception of “children as commodities” with underperforming children being encouraged to seek alternative programs.  What's more, School Report Cards can affect property values, causing increased community resistance to diverse populations and proposed low-income housing projects.

The bottom line is, School Report Cards affect public perception.  Without the supporting data, there aren't clear mechanisms for transparency and public oversight.

It's also important to note, there’s a HUGE difference in the amount of information available on the Printable School Report Card versus at the School Report Card page for each school at the MDE Web site.  The limits of the Printable School Report cards and their appropriate use are a matter of great concern, especially in light of the digital divide.  ALL Minnesota parents should be aware of and concerned about the growing divide between the haves and have-nots when it comes to information about our children’s schools.