And, have you seen some of the administrative software programs developed
to track performance on tests ever more closely and completely across grade
levels, teachers, schools? They reify the validity/reliability of the tests
and scores and provide the illusion that there is accountability for
learning.
Any interest in grass roots educators' petition to governors challenging
the value of test mania? If not teachers, who, if not now.......you know
the rest.
Molly
Ken Goodman wrote:
> Expanding what constitutes failure and the opportunity to fail is a
> key premise of the current "reforms" in education. So called standards
> set arbitrarily and high stakes tests tied to these arbitrary standards
> are a key element.
>
> In Texas this has taken the form of test performance on the TASS being
> the sole criteria for passing a course and passing from grade to grade.
> All marks are percentages and with the passing score set at 70% the D
> has effectively been eliminated. In Bush's Texas there is a huge build
> of kids in the 9th grade who can't pass enough courses to move into the
> 10th grade. And of course many states have instituted high stakes tests
> that will deny those who fail them from diplomas. That will drive many
> out school when they are 16 and legally able to leave.
>
> Ken Goodman
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