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Monday, October 15, 2012

Diane in the Evening 10-15-12 Diane Ravitch's blog

Diane Ravitch's blog:




Testing Madness Is Sick

The Wall Street Journal reports that New York City has adopted a new test for its gifted and talented classes. It is said to be “harder” than the previous test. The Bloomberg administration uses a test as the sole means of getting into these highly coveted classes.
Critics say it will reduce the proportion of black and Hispanic students in these classes even lower than it is now, but the test-maker disagrees.
Parents who have invested thousands in test prep for the old test are worried. Now they must invest thousands in 




Carol Burris Writes President Obama

Carol Burris, who was recently named to the honor roll as a hero of public education, wrote a letter to President Obama. Carol understands how excessive testing is harming students and demoralizing teachers. She warns the President how this policy–at the heart of Race to the Top–will do increasing damage as it is institutionalized.
Dear Mr. President:
First, thank you for all you do.
I am writing because as the principal of South Side High School, an integrated high school in New York, I am