Testing and Accountability

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

Indiana Board Considers Giving Schools Letter Grades

December 3, 2009, AP

PTA Launches Campaign Backing Common Standards

With a $1 million grant from the Gates Foundation, the national group will organize parent support for the standards in four states. December 1, 2009

Stimulus Rules on 'Turnarounds' Shift

The guidelines for addressing low-performing schools allow states and districts to use a turnaround approach that many educators favor: providing professional development and coaching for a school’s current staff, and making changes to curriculum and instruction. Updated: December 1, 2009

States Said to Be Progressing on Data Systems

A new report finds that 44 states, up from 21 in 2005, have built systems that can track students’ progress over time. Updated: December 1, 2009

Study Finds NCLB Law Lifted Math Scores

Researchers found large gains in math scores for 4th graders and moderate ones for 8th graders, but no similar evidence for reading achievement. Updated: December 1, 2009

News Briefs

Cash Idea Crashes

Administrators in Goldsboro, N.C., have nixed a cash-for-grades fundraiser that was offering 20 test points to students in exchange for a $20 donation. November 17, 2009

Work Groups Picked for K-12 Standards

The members of the "work groups" for developing K-12 standards in English-language arts and mathematics were announced last week. November 17, 2009

High School Exit Exams

The stakes attached to high school exit exams have risen since 2002, with 16 more states withholding diplomas from students who can't pass them than did so that year. November 10, 2009

Wisconsin Lawmakers Remove 'Data Firewall'

The Wisconsin State Assembly has passed a bill that removes a ban on using student test results to evaluate teachers in order to be eligible for $4 billion in federal stimulus money. November 10, 2009

Survey Finds 'Gen Y' Teachers Open to Merit Pay

A new analysis suggests that most teachers 32 and younger favor merit pay for teachers who consistently work harder than their peers. November 9, 2009

Tenn. Collaborative Envisions Major Changes in K-12 Education

An initiative spearheaded by Bill Frist, the former U.S. Senate majority leader, aims to help the state's schools become the top performers in the Southeast within five years. October 27, 2009

More News Briefs

Texas Schools File Suit Over Minimum Grade Ban

November 19, 2009, AP

Washington Leaders Split Over Delaying Exit Exams

November 19, 2009, AP

NAEP Plan for Testing Special Groups Gets Public Airing

At issue is how students with disabilities and English-language learners take part in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. November 17, 2009

Teacher Broke Law by Posting Top Test Scores

The Minnesota Department of Administration agreed with a parent who complained that posting her son's test results was a violation of state law. November 17, 2009, MCT

Michelle Obama Talks Tests, Mentoring to Students

November 16, 2009, AP

Role of NAEP Could Change With Common Assessments

As a push for common state standards and tests moves forward, questions are arising about the future of “the nation’s report card.” November 16, 2009

Commentary

Remembering 'Horace,' Too

Ted Sizer may be best remembered for his fictional teacher, Horace Smith, writes Robert Barsanti, who sees Horace's struggles in his own career. November 16, 2009

N.C. Principal Retires After Cash-for-Grades Blunder

November 13, 2009, AP

Funding for Common Assessments Poses Challenge

U.S. Department of Education officials are starting to gather input on how best to leverage $350 million in stimulus money for the effort. Updated: November 16, 2009

N.C. District Nixes Cash-for-Grades Fundraiser

November 12, 2009, AP

N.C. School Officials Nix Cash-for-Grades Fundraiser

November 12, 2009, AP

For $20, Kids Can Buy a Better Grade

November 11, 2009, MCT

NAEP Plan for Students With Disabilities Criticized

November 10, 2009

W.Va. BOE Takes Over Grant County Schools

November 10, 2009, AP

Texas Moves to Tighten Education School Standards

November 9, 2009, AP