The Eternal Failure of a NAEP Mind
After Sandy Banks in the Los Angeles Times stated, "We see what we are looking for—and that sends a message to students at schools like Jordan. They know we don't expect much of them," David B. Cohen replied:
"Do you think that the same lesson applies to the public, or journalists, or legislators, and the messages they send to the faculty and staff at struggling schools? I don’t mean to make excuses for anyone, but is it possible that an honest assessment of the challenges they face should include the burden of social apathy, distrust, even hostility? I know a lot of teachers and more than a few administrators, and you can probably infer from my question what I think the answer is."
In that context, what message does this drumbeat of NAEP-related stories and headlines send from Education Week?
Most 8th Graders Fall Short on NAEP Science Test (May 10, 2012)