Testing and Accountability

Districts Compare Notes on Data

The most successful systems were found to be those that focused on how to use the information to improve instruction. July 22, 2008

N.Y.'s New Math Test has Rough Start

New York's new integrated algebra test administered in June was so hard that a student could get a "raw score" of just 30 points out of a possible 87 and still pass. July 15, 2008, AP

California Board Mandates Algebra 1 for All 8th Graders

California 8th graders will be required to take Algebra 1 and be tested on it as part of the state’s accountability system, under a controversial decision made by the state board of education last week after last-minute pressure from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. July 14, 2008

Urban Districts Found to Be Narrowing the Teacher Gap

Teachers at disadvantaged schools in two of the nation’s largest urban districts are getting more qualified, which is helping to improve student test scores. July 14, 2008

Testing Officials Again Tackle Accommodations And Exclusions for Special Student Populations

Federal officials are once again looking at exclusion and accommodation guidelines in the hope of bringing more consistency to those policies. July 11, 2008

News Briefs

High-Stakes Spillover Seen

July 15, 2008

English-Language Learners

July 15, 2008

Full-Day Kindergarten

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

Oklahoma's Board Wants Public Airing of Readiness Data

The board wants to make sure not only that principals around the state report data on school-dropout and college-remediation rates, but also that the data get presented to local school boards for discussion. May 12, 2008

More News Briefs

Calif. Mandates Algebra for All 8th Graders

The Golden State became the first state Wednesday to require algebra as early as the eighth grade. July 10, 2008, AP

Commentary

Could Standard Grading Practices Be Counterproductive?

Time spent disputing grades with parents and students is better spent discussing what the child is actually learning, says Paul Barnwell. June 30, 2008

Poll: Math, Yes; Standardized Tests, Maybe

June 27, 2008, AP

Teacher Quality Found Improving in Chicago Schools

Study attributes enhancements to policy of hiring inexperienced teachers with stronger academic credentials. June 25, 2008

Policy Shift Lets Students Withhold Low SAT Scores

June 24, 2008

Since NCLB Law, Test Scores on Rise

June 24, 2008

Commentary

Breaking the Logjam on Teacher 'Value Added'

June 16, 2008

Showing What They Know

June 16, 2008

State Testing Mandates Swell Summer School Ranks

June 16, 2008

Principals’ Group Calls for National Academic Standards and Tests

June 10, 2008

July 23, 2008 | Receive RSS