Please don¿t ignore test scores that came out about Forest Lake area public schools this week. But for a much more accurate, comprehensive view, please take a look at the school by school report cards, available at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website: education.state.mn.us/ReportCard2005/ (no www in front of education).

Here's what I learned about schools in the Forest Lake after spending a few minutes on this website:

Recognizing that schools are rated from 1-5 stars, with 5 being best, Columbus Elementary earned 4 stars in reading and math, and 5 in academic opportunities and safety. Century Junior High had 2 stars in reading, 3 in math, and 5 in academic opportunties and safety. Northern Lakes charter public school had 3 stars in reding, 3 in math, and 5 in academic opportunities and safety. Lakes International earned 4 stars in reading, 3 in math, and apparently (like some other schools around the state) did not submit material needed to earn a rating in academic opportunities and safety).

Congratulations to the educators, parents and students at these schools.

What about other schools in Forest Lake? If you are especially interested, please go to the MDE website and check them out. They are not included here because I have more than 100 schools to check within a day, and wanted to do some sampling around the state. )

The report card provides other information, such as

• Information about the students who attend the school
• Attendance rate
• Number of students coming into, and leaving the district under open enrollment

Some states are making their tests easier, or making it easier for schools to look good on the tests. Not Minnesota. And I think we're right.

Our youngsters, and the companies that they create, or that employ them, will be competing with people throughout the world, not just throughout the U.S. We don¿t want our students to do well, just compared to, for example, Mississippi and Montana. Our students will be entering a world in which Minnesota is competing with Manitoba, the rest of Canada, and of course European, African and Asian countries.

It¿s not just about test scores - but about being active, constructive citizens. That's why, for example, it¿s a real measure of pride that Minnesota continues to have among the highest percentage of people voting.

As we judge students and schools, the Minnesota legislature and Minnesota Department of Education have given us a gift - school report cards that offer a broad, thoughtful view of schools. I hope people will use them.