Testing and Accountability

Articles covering the application of education standards for both students and teachers.

N.Y.C. Schools Eye Math Tests for Kindergartners

August 28, 2008, AP

SAT Scores Flat as Test-Taking Edges Upward

Average scores on the verbal, math, and writing sections of the college-entrance exam were identical to last year’s, halting a slide that began after the test was overhauled three years ago. August 26, 2008

Denver Teachers and District Reach Tentative Accord

Beginners would get substantially higher salaries, while veterans would see much smaller raises under renegotiated terms of performance-pay plan. August 26, 2008

New Algebra 2 Test Suggests States Face High Hurdles

Students across the country struggled with advanced algebra on a first-of-its-kind test in that subject, according to a report to be released this week. August 25, 2008

Governor, School Leader Discuss St. Louis Schools' Future

August 21, 2008, AP

News Briefs

ETS Europe Loses Contract in U.K. After Mistakes

The United Kingdom’s Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has terminated an exam-grading contract worth about $291 million with ETS Europe. August 25, 2008

High-Stakes Spillover Seen

So-called “high stakes” testing policies in reading and mathematics have had a positive effect on the science performance of students in struggling Florida schools, a study concludes. July 15, 2008

English-Language Learners

Schools that report low achievement for English-language learners also report low test scores for white and African-American students, according to a study. July 15, 2008

Full-Day Kindergarten

Children in full-day kindergarten programs outperform peers in half-day programs in reading and mathematics, but their academic head start begins to fade soon after they leave kindergarten, says a study. July 15, 2008

Exit Exams

A California high school student’s academic grade point average is the strongest predictor of whether he or she will pass the state’s exit exam, a new study shows. June 17, 2008

Native Americans' Reading

The performance of 4th and 8th graders on the National Assessment of Educational Progress remained the same overall for students who are American Indians or Alaska Natives, study finds. May 20, 2008

More News Briefs

N.Y.C. Cash-for-Tests Program Shows Mixed Results

August 21, 2008, AP

Inaugural Minn. Science Exams Expose Struggles

August 19, 2008, AP

ACT Scores Dip Slightly as Participation Soars

With a 9 percent increase in the number of graduating seniors taking the college-entrance exam, average scores fall by one-tenth of a point to 21.1 on a 36-point scale Updated: August 26, 2008

Exit Scramble

A decade-long push by states to make high school students pass an exit exam before getting their diplomas has stalled as politically sensitive student-failure rates contribute to a growing public backlash against high-stakes testing. August 11, 2008

Teamwork Key for Pilot Plans on Teacher Pay

August 11, 2008

State Says Teachers Union Is Making Excuses

August 6, 2008, AP

Teachers' Group Sues Over Dropout Prevention Program

August 5, 2008, AP

70 Districts Compare Practices on Collecting, Analyzing Data

July 22, 2008

California Board Mandates Algebra 1 for All 8th Graders

July 14, 2008

Urban Districts Found to Be Narrowing the Teacher Gap

July 14, 2008

September 5, 2008 | Receive RSS