L. wrote:
I don't know if there is actually any truth to this BUT - the dumbing down
"allegedly" started back in Reagan's day or was it George Srs? - when
someone here in the U.S. apparently couldn't pass the exam - and being he
was in good relations with the then King of Jordan, the King of Jordan asked
Reagan or Bush Sr to do something to help out. I've heard that story a few
times. True or not - the tests have changed drastically.

If I remember correctly, the incident had nothing to do with
dumbing down technical issues. It was all about the outdated
Morse code testing requirement which a lot of countries have
indeed dropped.

The tests really (in my opinion) aren't meant to "teach" anything or shall
we say - show any "in depth proficiency".

Of course not. They are entrance exams, not university degrees.

They're merely meant to get you in the door - period.

Exactly! That is their entire purpose. They open the door to
a lifetime of learning.
--
73, Cecil http://www.qsl.net/w5dxp