Testing and Accountability

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

July 2, 2009, AP

Expert Panels Named in Common-Standards Push

One group will draft standards for the initiative being led by governors and state schools chiefs, and the other will critique their work. July 1, 2009

Studies Probe 'Value-Added' Measures

As a method for evaluating teachers’ effectiveness, researchers say, the technique has some drawbacks. July 1, 2009

SREB Urges Greater Focus on Middle Grades in South

The Southern Regional Education Board says many states set standards too low and need to better prepare students for high school. June 30, 2009

No Dropouts From This Camden, N.J., High School

June 29, 2009, AP

News Briefs

Cheating Accusations Prompt Resignation of Ga. Principal

An elementary school principal in suburban Atlanta has resigned because he changed answers on 5th grade standardized tests to improve scores. June 16, 2009

Student Testing

Educators need to use both "assessments for learning" and "assessments of learning" to gauge and improve student progress. May 18, 2009

Comparing School Success

Young children in five New England states are more likely to succeed in school than children elsewhere in the country, according to a recently published "school success" index. May 12, 2009

Edge Found for District-Run Schools

New research finds that students in district-run schools posted larger gains than those in city schools run by private managers. April 15, 2009

Transparency Time For Vouchers?

A Washington think tank argues that private schools that accept students under voucher programs have a responsibility to be transparent. March 31, 2009

Alabama Combines Federal Dollars to Stave Off 3,800 Teacher Layoffs

Nearly 3,800 Alabama teaching jobs that were in danger of being lost will be spared for at least two years, thanks to the federal economic-stimulus package, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Joe Morton announced last week. March 31, 2009

More News Briefs

Texas Reworks School Accountability, Budgeting

Lawmakers toughened graduation requirements and lifted a mandate that districts spend 65 percent of their operating budgets in the classroom. June 26, 2009

La. High School Diploma Plan Goes to Jindal

June 24, 2009, AP

Philadelphia Teachers Cite Intense Push to Promote

June 23, 2009

Administration Shelves Pa. Graduation Exam Plan

June 23, 2009, AP

As WASL Goes Away, a Pledge to Improve Wash. 1-in-4 Dropout Rate

June 22, 2009, MCT

Calif. Charter Group Proposes Renewal Standards

The influential association is calling for schools that fail to reach expected levels of performance to be closed. June 22, 2009

Police: Ga. Principal Arrested in Cheating Probe

June 22, 2009, AP

Penn. Graduation Requirements Spark Fresh Fight

Some lawmakers are pushing to block development of high school tests or curriculum without legislative approval. Updated: June 23, 2009

Democrats Push to Suspend California High School Exit Exam

Supporters of nixing the test, currently required for graduation, argue it's not fair to expect schools hammered by budget cuts to meet every past threshold. June 18, 2009, MCT

NCLB Found to Raise Scores Across Spectrum

June 17, 2009

Senator: Make It a Crime to Change Test Scores

June 16, 2009, AP

Subject Groups Seeking Voice on Standards

Updated: June 24, 2009

Study Puts Results of International Tests on Common Metric

June 16, 2009

Subject-Matter Groups Want Voice in Standards

Updated: June 24, 2009

Duncan Unveils Details on Race to the Top Aid

June 15, 2009