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/