TESTING THE TEST--Rep. Charles Brading, left, R-Wapakoneta, State School Bd. member Diana Fessler, 3rd District-New Carlisle, and Rep. Jon Peterson, R-Delaware, take a short test of sample 4th and 6th-grade proficiency questions, in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, June 1, 2000. Brading said that he thought the test was "challenging." (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

PROFICIENCY TEST--Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Tave Zelman prepares a group to take a short test of sample 4th and 6th-grade proficiency questions, in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, June 1, 2000. The group consisted of elected officials, school-board representatives, and members of the media. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)