Four lessons from the opt-out debate
Robert PondiscioTest refusals may force reformers to rethink their priorities. Robert Pondiscio
Trust, but verify
Robert PondiscioThe era of judging New York City Schools on academics is over. Robert Pondiscio
A test of education reform
The testing “opt-out” movement is testing education reform’s humility.
Getting College and Career Ready During State Transition Toward the Common Core State Standards
Jane SongPromising early signs that the standards are working. Jane Song
Wanna opt out of tests? Try this instead
Robert PondiscioParents should use the threat of test refusal to demand a well-rounded education for their kids.
Review: Brookings analyzes opt-outs and teacher evaluations
Jessica PoinerWhat is the critical mass of opt-outs and to what might it lead?
Opting out, race, and reform
Robert PondiscioArne Duncan was half right about those “white suburban moms.” Robert Pondiscio
Ten arguments against Common Core presidential hopefuls should avoid
Tim ShanahanAn open letter to the candidates. Tim Shanahan
Bless the tests: Three reasons for standardized testing
Aaron ChurchillIt takes more than a "gut feeling" to know how a school is doing
Using equity reports to drive school improvement in D.C.
When we talk about high standards, accountability, and school choice, one essential element is often overlooked: giving parents and education leaders information they can actually use. It’s one thing to produce data, but quite another to make it useful—easily understood, comparable, and actionable.
The state-led ESEA compromise
A few weeks ago, I used a graphic to show the four dimensions of federal accountability, each of which has a range of options. I then used this graphic to show the consensus for preserving NCLB testing.
ESEA testing proposals in one picture
A couple weeks ago, I created a graphic to help explain the contours of the debate about federal accountability in the ESEA reauthorization process.
Comparing Student Attrition Rates at Charter Schools and Nearby Traditional Public Schools
Jeff MurrayBusting myths, but not much to cheer about
NCLB accountability is dead; long live ESEA testing
Chester E. Finn, Jr.It’s fascinating—and telling—how rapidly the zillion issues tucked away in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act have been distilled down to arguments about testing.
Stump speech challenge: A New Deal on testing
Robert PondiscioAll the pro-testing talking points you’ll ever need. Robert Pondiscio
Stump speech contest: What members of Congress should say about testing
Michael J. PetrilliThe word around town is that support for annual testing among rank-and-file members of Congress—in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle—is dangerously low. They are constantly hearing complaints from their constituents about the overuse and abuse of standardized tests, and many are eager to do something about it.
Ten things to know about Secretary Duncan's ESEA reauthorization speech
As I wrote last week, with the ESEA reauthorization process heating up, lots of advocates are now trying to influence the congressional deliberations. Secretary Duncan weighed in this morning.