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Interversity Quotes"I think it's time to ask the Standardistos: Where's the test for compassion? For honesty? For curiosity? For moral commitment? Until they can answer, let's tell them to shut up." —Susan Ohanian (One Size Fits Few: The Folly of Educational Standards) Interversity ProjectsEchoes of Orwell:The purpose of this webforum is to promote a lively discussion among students and faculty alike about George Orwell's 1984 and the parallels or echoes found in today's society. |
[Author Prev][Author Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Author Index][Thread Index] FairTest January 2008 Newsletter
FairTest Examiner FairTest Examiner January 2008 In this issue FairTest Mission Statement <#column> Battles Continue Over Graduation Tests <#article1.bg1> More Than 755 Colleges Now "Test-Optional" <#article1.bg2> What the Presidential Candidates Say About NCLB <#article2.bg1> Legal Victory Against NCLB <#article2.bg2> NCLB Update <#article3.bg1> Spellings Backs Away From College "Accountability" Testing <#article3.bg2> IRS Investigation of Test-Maker Pay Sought <#article4.bg1> A Victory: Head Start Reauthorization Drops Flawed Testing <#article4.bg2> Identifying Successful Schools for Low Income and Minority Group Students <#article5.bg1> Independent Test Results Show NCLB Failing <#article5.bg2> Worth reading <#article6.bg1> FairTest Mission Statement The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) advances quality education and equal opportunity by promoting fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial evaluations of students, teachers and schools. FairTest also works to end the misuses and flaws of testing practices that impede those goals. FairTest's Board and Staff <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIoN2bVrF2uxDgft0mSnvZu0SMnTIUllABt9D6pV3Gypdkg_BTj1HzINarGjub3vUB1BYzlR9FmafNWai0Q6JnERIk3To1KQVXPHEPo79bHwMV1mRATgHgqAATsVxFK2uss=> FairTest is funded with support from the Bay and Paul Foundation, Ford Foundation, United Church of Christ, Wiener Educational Foundation, Working Assets, Zarrow Foundation and individual contributors. Find out more.... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIrVV-OfpCw2g6LnDRrLszvdeJVVrVKE9NKKGB317aDTFoG1MewWYBcl3DW14oniP_fiW-6gFqYu2Y6UEehYWpIPHmytojQ2D4xCgFbWa5Tq1A==> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quick Links... * Our Website <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIpGf9v0RJ_IOhsxz8BhMvq4h13VXtX2JugvPmDY1MCDNtB9tjN6tyfOCf38BrPr18E07G5UWE2Vs8ZY8eoB1p-At2yAoLNJu0s=> * Support FairTest today! <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIoobGPsvm4NHlLbAPpQdOYSzxYK8Ckvrao1fQ62ygVbCeZQWs5CkTR2_DnPtGxl5ayi1Q98MMK0YP1TrAvjJUndarayfhMuc1qmZo_7dyRWsX7tsl-hoogGT0JVS-3gslo=> Welcome Jesse Mermell, new FairTest Executive Director On behalf of FairTest's board and staff, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Jesse Mermell as our new executive director. Jesse comes to FairTest with a passion for public policy and advocacy, as well as extensive experience in non-profits and political consulting. Currently, she is executive director of the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, a member of the Brookline (MA) Board of Selectmen, and a board member of Citizens for Public Schools. Jesse will join FairTest at the end of February. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIqcatSmAYy56y7roZ-zN7qZpYEm0uDOSM-7xP9TpRbRzXcJR_nrzb8efrHpR-ON2vzoNVoqHAGa3nGTlVI_0EOvBvwpP3axmmUNOnEzPD_3diCeBkoJLpKlpOzSANe-kN-WQq1IMJ7HpxeaY_wK9rupoOsbt1TqLwxyktmIBPmqSA==> Redesigned FairTest Website Please visit the redesigned FairTest website. While still located at www.fairtest.org <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIpGf9v0RJ_IOhsxz8BhMvq4h13VXtX2JugvPmDY1MCDNtB9tjN6tyfOCf38BrPr18E07G5UWE2Vs8ZY8eoB1p-At2yAoLNJu0s=>, it's now easier to navigate and more logically organized. We hope you find these changes helpful. Inevitably, with so much content, there will be some glitches and outdated links. For many pages, you'll need to put in new bookmarks. If you find anything that does not work, let us know. FairTest is pleased to unveil a site that can better serve you and the movement to make assessment fair, open and educationally beneficial. # Battles Continue Over Graduation Tests Battles continue over graduation tests in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington. FairTest, which is supporting activists in several states, has a new fact sheet on graduation and grade promotion tests. Kids as Self Advocates (KASA) also has a report on the impact of high school exit exams on students with disabilities. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIq--jL7xed2NjlwNA1kNeqglzW4EPQ4N_xPxTPUSuJqGBDP-Fi0edLSTnnXmChlelovYsXAiyZFOnKkvQWGyzUpn55e0U8I1pyrLks07cY0aTkcqjSSoG2XDAZuzcc5Ul3q1ghCu1Li_YhseK6Hw8W3> # More Than 755 Colleges Now "Test-Optional" FairTest's list of colleges which admit all or substantial portions of their first year student bodies without requiring the submission of ACT or SAT scores now totals 756. The latest institution to adopt such a policy is Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIqbQhZoMQgpehDz9bu-2TRi8f3Xk-e0_OuFk4MHqq9sRQ75EPsO6ssmU_qjyP8LW_wu2xP_X9MbNJn-ikRUCIsdwT7CvwXT95JIJvIisCr2I8BPcAc86e822iim86tCaWxEAU78_y5PmXX9h5gZHeDrojIn40zQrZdP4aQ8OZUo4RFR2A2CtREd> # What the Presidential Candidates Say About NCLB With reauthorization of "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) stalled and a growing consensus that a major overhaul is needed, the next president may have a critical opportunity to influence the shape and scope of the federal education law. As the first state caucuses and primaries get under way, FairTest examined candidates' websites and statements to determine what they have said about NCLB. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIpQQBwtPL8z2aQrP3zu3xnemtAAj7sANCUZB-fFxm8H0zXKZZxYJh4iizKcsdKHJG5LcBb0u_KxRA2mWqdMl0_BMKOUMIvqUGHK7XeNpbAJYowhxeznrrpT3ZSwV6zKvH8Ni72XOxaa8u2540BC4hzosItrkh2AJLM=> # Legal Victory Against NCLB School districts and education groups have long argued that the underfunding of No Child Left Behind creates illegal unfunded mandates because the U.S. Department of Education requires states and districts to carry out all parts of the law. On January 7, 2008, the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, ruling that NCLB "fails to provide clear notice as to who bears the additional costs of compliance," thereby violating the "Spending Clause of the United States Constitution." Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIrtO4XL7bLjn_7uUthTQrPDghu43Q6hAz2UtN9-YlEX5jNaBqhTgjkkF63XDhgWFQbKO75wS9NfLK4eGNZqWyQnUjePvAdRyRJtseExEE6yEJqacMJVjLpMgN4viNfSLuk=> # NCLB Update As the No Child Left Behind goal of 100% proficiency by 2014 draws closer, predictions of massive school failures are coming to pass. As anticipated, the toll is highest in low-income districts, with one-fifth of schools in these communities labeled "in need of improvement" in 2006. According to a FairTest report, studies in more than 10 states project most or all schools will fail to make "Adequate Yearly Progress" (AYP) by 2014 and face escalating sanctions. Meanwhile, Congressional efforts to reauthorize NCLB have stalled. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIq9XZwz4c9L6QDwCzxC7TR5RCv6Giy37ZD75dqt5wviZljWdknNqJKVO9x1hzQRqG5iQIfh54eYclsceofSywPEWybzi29FGF8vVEvEQo9MKw==> # Spellings Backs Away From College "Accountability" Testing "Let me repeat: No one-size-fits-all measures; no standardized tests. All I ask is that institutions be more clear about the benefits they offer to students." With that December, 2007 statement to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings conceded that the Bush Administration lacked the political clout to mandate anything similar to "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) for the world of higher education. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIqd6I0ZtQJLj0T8ozyCeEySbQIu6ugMtqQOiog0gO4okvRkErpxw4Do7vKtQooMxDjUFTdEf_cvmLIlkz8FE9MEyAhYLdQCIdN-fvo8doowMmgrtgDyeww2tVeLJdZ0gXylSl_1ixtrubvS0D-dGFK35v-Fe3zkQP6B5JvnYugqc4oBcX8ZQ3Oxh9cfq4dUMIGevhPYUA-0EQ==> # IRS Investigation of Test-Maker Pay Sought The Attorney General of Iowa has asked the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to investigate the high fees ACT Inc., a non-profit corporation, pays its board members and officers. The test development and education research firm is based in Iowa City. Read More... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIoJTwPLNdRrCQQGTSpkgTChX1yFd12Ra8t3q3Ccf3qBASJEhHDbvojQUWAbIQkEdJ_Y7TnmghRH4Lj_6rhLLcmfvGWzR4xRqsGGJVYTwgK1cheKK74lWqN5OzqOjfzYIenQqWsDQfh6MY8zOHIoS9VL> # A Victory: Head Start Reauthorization Drops Flawed Testing In a significant victory for low-income preschool children, the 2007 reauthorization of the federal Head Start program suspends the controversial use of "National Reporting System" (NRS) testing. President Bush signed the new Head Start bill in early December, despite his objection to the elimination of the tests. The NRS was a large-scale accountability effort in which all children aged four and older were tested twice a year. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIr2lZJo4Wuc-6VyznKMREfLAbSj4QTv7CwQ_bOTTvv4Ie5FYLrlXMjjCFtDKdIdX-tpXs7GV4gCqANeWf4w1QQUIzMjYKrGnOyNFo8mkYrNgpF324_Z6izLg1Vo-niIVRzGk0x7FRdssuejLH4EgMLd-Q17vpdQQns=> # Identifying Successful Schools for Low Income and Minority Group Students Most research that looks at successful schools or tracks improvement in education uses standardized test scores as the sole criterion for measuring progress. Such research may produce strong evidence about the practices and policies that raise test scores, but it provides little useful information about what goes into high quality education. Using test results to identify successful schools and then determine "effective practices" for raising those scores ignores the important but untested learning and characteristics that students, parents and the public seek from schools. Read More... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIpGvIGOPtfVJyXh5FV4Ykt9v7ItrLHPGk6DpvwWK0mNZZmh51EqLWeIkIAU6Up7q8xRyx5fAG8y2d7syzqJZDRFbfFo2WGVCNS-6u0kJTtVwQdxTZUTcexvS6D3nBf6KpcuJakbivVB692s27GnzPH3xYh_WqaEE34=> # Independent Test Results Show NCLB Failing Results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA) show little overall improvement in math and reading since No Child Left Behind became law, and no closing of score gaps between racial minorities and whites. This parallels state and national results on the same tests (Examiner, October 2007). Two international reports also demonstrate no change in U.S. scores since enactment of NCLB. Taken together with the extensive evidence of many harmful consequences from NCLB, these findings show the federal education law needs a thorough overhaul. Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIp96BIeBISnnmwifOL6Av9QnQ8k6jZ02oOjH6pNsfskppZWrGkCELpDG1POwourEUGSL6fds_3XMrVOkVSVOTSEVuO2APvDNT0uJNJt1w2oCzpyBkIm9mFODCeS5y2POpCds803rs__52JsaQlzC0Qy> # Worth reading Short reviews of books that are worth your time and consideration. These reviews focus on how the books address testing and assessment. English Learners in American Classrooms Rescuing the Public Schools: What It Will Take to Leave No Child Behind Letters to the Next President Reading Against Democracy: The Broken Promises of Reading Instruction Democratic Schools Read more... <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIp6F1JWJs9osKqr5AKjr4XnXfgYllvxqmPLnBiFKHDp415vXM6krjS3KGgjBsxAgbj-sTI27NN45gV0ewpuVkxeeOsNTivty7t_akmbGT-ksaKVP8hZilXU> :: examiner@fairtest.org <mailto:examiner@fairtest.org> :: http://www.fairtest.org <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Ka0FTkvDdIpGf9v0RJ_IOhsxz8BhMvq4h13VXtX2JugvPmDY1MCDNtB9tjN6tyfOCf38BrPr18E07G5UWE2Vs8ZY8eoB1p-At2yAoLNJu0s=>
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