What do you all think about these new changes in public education? In my area, the county superintendent

has made many changes that, for lack of a better word, suck. There was an article in the Washington Post about him taking away naps for preschool, and supposedly, there will not be any recess starting next year. Add to this the cuts in music, art and PE, and he increase in crucial high stakes testing, what is a kid to do?
His rationale is based upon some new research that says that children are capable of learning more and sooner. But this ONE research should not negate the DECADES of other research that shows that these subjects/activities are EXTREMELY beneficial and necessary to a child's growth and learning. Especially for very young children, who learn through PLAY.
Are these changes placing too much pressure on these children? Do the ends justify the means? Should teacher salaries be increased since we'll now have more work to do in the classroom? Thoughts?