I have a better plan for Gov. Christine Gregoire to achieve "excellence" in our public schools and save the $38.5 millions she want to throw at the Washington Assessment of Student Learning program to ensure everyone passes this test of learning.

Why not just give the kids all the test answers orally one day before the test and those students able to take copious notes will pass and those which cannot stand up to this rigor will be given the actual WASL answer sheet to cover up their lack of note taking skill.

This method cuts right to the chase and eliminates all those prospects of four additional tests, covers up the potential of two failures and supplies the alternative for those placed in this untenable situation that society has foisted upon them. Moreover, they will not have the aura of failure hanging over them ruining the rest of their young lives as underachievers in society.

Gary L. Kennedy

Des Moines