Testing Resistance & Reform News: June 20 - 26, 2013
A major theme in many of this week's news clips is the poor reliability of test scores and the lack of accountability among the firms that make standardized exams. There are also a number of very good stories and opinion pieces about the flaws of test-driven education as well as the better assessment systems being developed in other nations.
Indiana Seeks $614,000 Penalty from McGraw-Hill for Computer Testing System Collapse
http://www.indystar.com/article/20130621/NEWS/306210024/DOE-seek-least-613-000-ISTEP-problems-McGraw-Hill-president-apologizes
Editorial: Hold the Test-Maker Accountable!
http://www.menafn.com/1659513a-59fc-4c62-9639-c96d241ec9bf/EDITORIAL-Hold-CTBMcGrawHill-accountable-for-ISTEP-glitches
McGraw-Hill Computer Problems Delay Test Grades, Graduation
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/22/nyregion/grading-problems-with-regents-exams-delay-some-diplomas.html
No Accountability for Education Administrators Who Support the Testing Racket
http://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2013/06/theres-no-accountability-for-anyone-at.html
Florida Admits Science Test Questions Were Flawed
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/22/v-fullstory/3465857/fighting-to-fix-the-fcat.html
Standardized Test Shell Game
http://www.pnj.com/article/20130623/COLUMNISTS01/306230039
Oklahoma Educators Seek to Invalidate Scores From Tests Disrupted by Computer Foul-ups
http://www.news9.com/story/22684513/oea-pushes-to-invalidate-2013-standardized-tests-in-oklahoma
Top 12 Testing SNAFUs
http://www.schoolbook.org/2013/06/24/top-12-testing-snafus/
Rhode Island Students and Allies Petition for End to Exit Exam
http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/mcgowan/groups-file-petition-to-end-necap-graduation-requirement
"No Child Left Behind" Set New Hampshire Schools Up For Failure
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/7114717-95/no-child-left-behind-brought-strict-standards-unattainable-goals
Connecticut District Supers Recognize Weakness of Teacher Value-Added Test Score Models
http://www.courant.com/news/education/hc-superintendents-flout-state-rules-0620-20130619,0,2112924.story
"Badass Teachers" Fight Against Test-Obsessed Schools
http://news.yahoo.com/badass-teachers-fights-public-education-233400713.html
Schools in Scotland Focus on More Than Just Tests
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/24/world/europe/scottish-schools-focus-on-more-than-just-tests.html
China Seeks to Reduce Role of Standardized Exams in Education
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/06/25/chinas-new-education-reform-reducing-importance-of-test-scores/
Kids Tell All: "I Am More Than a Standardized Test"
http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/06/25/kids-tell-all-i-am-more-standardized-test-video
Invest Money in Learning, Not High-Stakes Tests
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013306230010&gcheck=1
To Increase Learning, Close Opportunity Gaps
http://www.educationjustice.org/news/june-25-2013-to-increase-learning-close-opportunity-gaps.html
Life is Not a Multiple-Choice Test
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/06/24/life-is-not-a-multiple-choice-test/
Good Schools Are More Than Just Test Scores
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/guest-commentary/editorial-advisory-board-good-schools-are-more-than-just-test/article_0856c5cf-20dc-58ed-981d-ca8ea1ecb459.html
The Battle Over Standardized Testing: A Perspective From the Border
http://borderzine.com/2013/06/the-battle-over-standardized-testing/
Obama Administration's Bizarre Education Policies
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/blog/the_obama_administrations_craf.php
A Glossary for Understanding What School "Reformers" Really Mean
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/06/19/a-reform-to-english-dictionary/
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