Testing and Accountability

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

States Slow Standards Work Amid 'Common Core' Push

Policymakers in several states say they are waiting to see how the effort to develop national standards takes shape before proceeding. November 6, 2009

Wis. Legislature Passes Education Reform Bill

November 6, 2009, AP

La. High School Exit Exam to End

November 5, 2009, AP

Commentary

Teacher Incentives, or Teaching Incentives?

“In our current zeal to reward ‘excellent’ teachers, are we jeopardizing truly excellent teaching?” asks Patrick R. Riccards, the chief executive officer of Exemplar Strategic Communications and the author of the education reform blog Eduflack. November 4, 2009

Mayors and Test Scores

November 3, 2009

News Briefs

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

Missouri Education Department Drops Plan for Integrated-Math Tests

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education says it is dropping plans to create statewide math exams using an 'integrated math' curriculum. October 27, 2009

Common-Standards Leaders, Experts Eye Adding Math, Science

Leaders of an effort to establish common academic standards have held tentative discussions with advocates about expanding standards beyond math and language arts. October 27, 2009

Early Childhood Education

A new approach for promoting language and literacy skills in preschool children helped teachers improve instruction for all their pupils and identify those who needed additional academic support, according to a recent study. October 6, 2009

Early Child Care

With good child care, the study shows, poor children nearly catch up to their peers. October 6, 2009

Maryland Reports State Tests Caused Eleven Students Not to Graduate

Maryland education officials say only 11 students did not graduate this year because they failed to pass state tests. September 29, 2009

More News Briefs

Questioning the Wisdom of New, Common Tests

November 3, 2009

Pennsylvania Lags in Passing GED Test

Only eight states have worse average passing rates on the exam than Pennsylvania's 69.6 percent. November 3, 2009, MCT

Wis. Teachers Couldn't Be Fired Over Test Scores

November 2, 2009, AP

Low-Performing Ill. Students Not Tested

November 2, 2009, AP

NCES Finds States Lowered 'Proficiency' Bar

Proficiency standards became less rigorous from 2005 to 2007 in a number of states, says a study by the National Center for Education Statistics. Updated: November 2, 2009

L.A. Gives Parents 'Trigger' to Restructure Schools

New rules will give parents of children in low-performing schools the power to open up targeted schools for outside management. Updated: October 30, 2009

Turnover in Principalship Focus of Research

Studies are showing that many principals don't stay on the job long, and that those who leave don't take other jobs as school leaders. October 26, 2009

Pa. Votes Final-Exam Keystone Tests to Get a Diploma

The controversial plan for state-approved final exams received a 4-1 vote of approval from a state review board yesterday. October 23, 2009, MCT

Experts, Public to Weigh In on Common Tests

Federal education officials want plenty of input in deciding how to award $350 million in stimulus aid to help states craft joint assessments. Updated: October 26, 2009

NAEP Scores Put Spotlight on Standards

October 19, 2009

RAND Study Praises N.Y.C. for Ending Social Promotion

October 15, 2009, AP

NAEP Math Scores Idle at 4th Grade, Advance at 8th

Updated: October 14, 2009

Governance Project Teaches Value of Policy Framework

October 12, 2009

Nevada Law Blocks Stimulus Education Funds

October 12, 2009

Commentary

Standards Aren't Enough