Conservative "Reformers" Oppose and then Support Standardized Testing
Chester Finn’s “Accountability Dilemmas,” in the Fordham Flypaper, seems to be an example of a conservative “reformer” acknowledging at least some of the failure of bubble-in "reform." Finn recognizes that parents “fret” over the overemphasis on testing that “fosters dull, drill-centric classrooms.” Finn is open to some sort of testing hiatus as Common Core is introduced. Turning down the heat on educators would allow them to “focus on what’s coming rather than on the academic expectations that are going out of style.” Teachers could adjust to the new standards “without having to look over their shoulders at the same time for fear they’ll lose their jobs—or their schools—on the basis of scores on the old tests.”
But, Fordham's Mike Petrilli, in "The Right Response to the Atlanta Cheating Scandal," now embraces the worst possible use of testing. He wants to allow principals to consider test score results when evaluating teachers, but without even the central office providing checks or balances.
Petrilli, like Diane Ravitch, had argued that NCLB-type testing should be used for Consumers Report-style
But, Fordham's Mike Petrilli, in "The Right Response to the Atlanta Cheating Scandal," now embraces the worst possible use of testing. He wants to allow principals to consider test score results when evaluating teachers, but without even the central office providing checks or balances.
Petrilli, like Diane Ravitch, had argued that NCLB-type testing should be used for Consumers Report-style