K-2 assessments - in search for research

[Bob Peterson <REPMilw@AOL.COM>]

Dear friends on the list serv,

Part of the current struggle in Milwaukee WI against standardized testing
is to convince the public and school board that it is in appropriate to
administer standardized reading and math tests to children in
kindergarten, first and second grade. The testing proponents argue that
teachers, schools and policy makers must know how kids "come into the
district" so that we can  help those students in need and so we can
accurately show how much "value" teachers add to students. I am fully
aware of how stupid these arguements are and have written extensively on
this (see for example my article in the summer 2000 issue of Rethinking
Schools -- "Where's the Value in Value-Added Testing?" --
www.rethinkingschools.org). However, the school board needs a lot more in
order to be convinced.

The way the people on this list serv could help is by suggesting specific
articles (with reference, please) by researchers, teachers or parents
which argue against K-2 testing. We would like to give to the school
board members a variety of articles from a variety of people.

Thanks for any help that you can be.

Sincerely,

Bob Peterson
5th grade teacher



Editor
Rethinking Schools
1001 E. Keefe Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53212 USA
414-964-9646
fax 414-964-7220
email: repmilw@aol.com
www.rethinkingschools.org

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