Scandalous Assessment

Although Arne Duncan called the Atlanta test scandal an isolated incident, yet similar acts of test fraud have occurred nationally (Fairtest.com). While Michele Rhee says that poverty is not a factor in student achievement the stakes of standardized testing, especially for schools with high numbers of children living in poverty, is increasing.

There are voices of reason that must be attended to. Consider this wisdom and reflection from Linda Darling-Hammond.(The Republic, April 13, 2013)

"The tests were never designed to decide which schools should survive or which kids should be promoted or which teachers should be fired. The behaviors (of these teachers) are inexcusable on their face. But, the implications of what they are doing should be causing a much greater red flag about the testing system than simply battening down the hatches on security.”