From this morning's newspaper, the following (condensed):

LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District) is committed to fostering a college-going culture for all students. As a result of that commitment, LAUSD is once again this year offering the PSAT tests free for all 10th grade students. These tests are important; scores will be used by schools to identify gaps, improve instruction and expand access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses for 2012-13.

The above news article had my attention at the word "all" students. Why is going to college the criterion for success? Since when is it an appropriate goal for all students? And won't a student who'd rather be a mechanic or sculptor feel like a failure if he does poorly on the PSAT or doesn't go to college?

Not to mention the whole idea of judging a child's worth by a multiple choice exam....