Standardized Testing

The war on standardized testing continues in the media.

June 24, 2007 - With the No Child Left Behind Act up for reauthorization, New Jersey Express-Times worries about "Some fear law is leaving smart children behind." The story cites a Rand study released in May without supplying any links to the study.

Their point is that teachers don't like No Child Left Behind requirements.

One of the biggest criticisms of the law is that it forces teachers to, as [Spokesman for the state teacher's union Steve] Walmer put it, "teach to the test." In other words, subjects outside of the tests' scope -- social studies, art, music and physical education -- are being short-changed so teachers can drill students on the core math and literacy skills that are on the tests.

Leaving "smart children behind" is a concern, according to the article.

More than half of Pennsylvania's middle school teachers think a lack of attention to the Keystone State's smartest kids is one of the unintended consequences of the Bush administration's No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, according to a study published in May by the California-based think tank Rand Corp. Nearly 40 percent of Pennsylvania elementary school teachers agreed.

No studies have been conducted in New Jersey, but Steve Walmer, spokesman for the state's teachers union, said it's a complaint that he hears more and more.

TT - However, an examination of the Rand study does not see "leaving smart children behind" as a major concern that isn't being addressed adequately. What they do conclude (Report page 81, PDF page 109) is that retaining high achieving students is critical to raising overall school test scores.

In other words, unions fear that high achieving students won't be there to haul up test scores to disguise the fact that children who are in most need of education aren't getting it. In New Jersey, that's most of the students. (Proficient means at grade level.)

The Rand study is called "Standards-Based Accountability Under No Child Left Behind Experiences of Teachers and Administrators in Three States." Research Brief.

The full 303-page document is available online. PDF (Very Large)
Chapter 8 Conclusions and Implications
-Report page 129 (PDF page 157)
Appendix A Survey Results
- Report page 140 (PDF page 167)

Three states were surveyed: California, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. They wanted to survey 27 districts in each state, however, refusal rates were high, particularly in California. ( PDF page 167)

Survey question on high-achieving students cited in story above. B.40 - Report page 168 (PDF page 168.)
Percentages are those who agree or strongly agree. SE is the standard error + or -