Standardized tests’ Holy Grail
Posted in Race to the Top, Research, TestsThe much-maligned multiple-choice test, the crux of California’s and other states’ accountability exams, will be replaced partly, if not entirely, by more complex, lengthier and probably more costly, state tests. As part of its Race to the Top program, Education Secretary Arne Duncan has set aside $350 million to pay for the development of new standardized tests, plus high schools measures of career and college readiness, over the next four to five years.
Duncan and President Obama, who has derided “fill-in-a-bubble” standardized tests, are expecting that the new “performance assessments,” along with the common-core standards to which they’ll be aligned, will guide teachers’ instruction and improve student results. Skeptics – primarily defenders of current versions such as California’s STAR tests – are doubting whether the next generation tests can deliver what Duncan is demanding.
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Duncan and President Obama, who has derided “fill-in-a-bubble” standardized tests, are expecting that the new “performance assessments,” along with the common-core standards to which they’ll be aligned, will guide teachers’ instruction and improve student results. Skeptics – primarily defenders of current versions such as California’s STAR tests – are doubting whether the next generation tests can deliver what Duncan is demanding.
(Read more and comment on this post)
Hollywood delivers; check it out
Posted in UncategorizedHere’s a video that could bring Gov. Schwarzenegger to his knees – or to tears, with laughter, assuming a sense of humor. “Hot for Teachers” is a comedy video produced by parents of a Laurel Canyon elementary school upset by budget cuts. They turned to fellow parent Brian Austin Green (”Beverly Hills, 90210″ and his girlfriend, actress Megan Fox. Check it out; it’s a stitch. (The Educated Guess is puzzled by the title, other than the fact that it does get you to click.)
