Wisconsin State Journal testing editorial

["Brian LeCloux" <blecloux@deforest.k12.wi.us>]

Last year, around this time, when the Wisconsin State Journal published Madison area high school standardized test scores in the front section, I was able to get a guest column on their editorial page opposing the practice and proposing schools use performances, portfolios and exhibitions for better public accountability.
Well, this time around  the Journal is concerned, not that the tests themselves should be questioned, but how the results are explained to the public.     (If they had better tests they might not need the explanation; tests that better reflected what students know and can do would be more understandable and wouldn't need "explanation.")

Test results need clearer explanation

Wisconsin State Journal editorial
May 24, 2006

"If Wisconsin education officials had been graded on their explanation of the results of this year's statewide test of students' knowledge, they would have fared far worse than the students.
In fact, their description of why students scored as they did deserved to be returned with the word "unclear" marked in big, red letters.

Those officials have to find a better way to explain the statewide test results in the future. At stake is Wisconsin's ability to understand what the annual tests show about how well schools are educating the next generation..."
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/opinion/index.php?ntid=85057&ntpid=1

(would like to see someone else in Wisconsin step forward this year---and show some leadership in the print media in challenging this and moving us toward assessment---and accountability---reform)

Brian LeCloux