Research and statistics have long shown that most standardized tests used in school systems around the country are invalid in themselves and not suited to the purposes for which they are used. While much of the national conversation on education continues to focus on “accountability” — meaning testing children and using those results to evaluate teachers and schools — parents, teachers, and others are increasing opting out of testing. Monty Neill, who has led the work of FairTest (the National Center for Fair & Open Testing) since 1987, joins the Education Town Hall’s monthly BUS program to discuss these and related issues. This month’s BUS drivers are Denisha Jones of Badass Teachers Association and United Opt Out, and Rosalie Friend of Save Our Schools March.
Fairtest recently published this report: “The Testing Resistance and Reform Movement,” and the website provides many other resources. Check back for links to academic papers referenced by Rosalie Friend.
Listen to tracks 3-5 here —
The BUS — BadAss Teachers Association, United Opt Out, Save Our Schools March — broadcasts once/month, usually on the 4th Thursday; due to Christmas, the next show will be on December 18.
BACK
The Education Town Hall broadcasts from Historic Anacostia in Washington, DC, Thursdays at 11 Eastern on We Act Radio.
Listen live via TuneIn.
Shows are archived for convenient listening shortly after broadcast.
Monty Neill
As executive director of FairTest (the National Center for Fair & Open Testing), Monty Neill initiated national and state coalitions of education, civil rights, religious, disability and parent organizations to work toward fundamental change in the assessment of students and in accountability. He chairs the national Forum on Educational Accountability and is author of a number of related publications. In addition, Neill has administrative experience at the pre-school, high school and college levels. More here
Education Town Hall Forum 
3 comments