The Myths of Standardized Tests

The Myths of Standardized Tests PDF Author: Phillip Harris
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
ISBN: 1442208112
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 207

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Book Description
Pundits, politicians, and business leaders continually make claims for what standardized tests can do, and those claims go largely unchallenged because they are in line with popular assumptions about what these tests can do, what the scores mean, and the psychology of human motivation. But what most of what these opinion leaders say-and the public believes-about standardized testing just isn't so. However, few members of the general public, not even concerned parents, have the time or the background to keep up with the latest findings of testing experts, psychometricians, and researchers. That's where The Myths of Standardized Tests comes in. In simple, accessible language, Harris, Smith, and Harris spell out the assumptions underlying standardized tests and point out what's true about them and what's just plain mythical. But they not only debunk common assumptions; they propose better ways to judge the success of our schools. They also offer readers suggestions for ways they can help reduce the burden of tests on their children. Appendixes offer readers contact information and suggestions for actions they can take to become part of the solution to the problem of overusing and misusing standardized tests.

The Myths of Standardized Tests

The Myths of Standardized Tests PDF Author: Phillip Harris
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
ISBN: 1442208112
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 207

Get Book

Book Description
Pundits, politicians, and business leaders continually make claims for what standardized tests can do, and those claims go largely unchallenged because they are in line with popular assumptions about what these tests can do, what the scores mean, and the psychology of human motivation. But what most of what these opinion leaders say-and the public believes-about standardized testing just isn't so. However, few members of the general public, not even concerned parents, have the time or the background to keep up with the latest findings of testing experts, psychometricians, and researchers. That's where The Myths of Standardized Tests comes in. In simple, accessible language, Harris, Smith, and Harris spell out the assumptions underlying standardized tests and point out what's true about them and what's just plain mythical. But they not only debunk common assumptions; they propose better ways to judge the success of our schools. They also offer readers suggestions for ways they can help reduce the burden of tests on their children. Appendixes offer readers contact information and suggestions for actions they can take to become part of the solution to the problem of overusing and misusing standardized tests.

Measuring Success

Measuring Success PDF Author: Jack Buckley
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421424967
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 341

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Book Description
"Once touted as the single best way to measure students from diverse backgrounds, schools, and experiences, standardized college admissions tests are now criticized for being hopelessly biased in favor of traditionally privileged groups. Out of this has emerged the test-optional movement that seeks to allow students to apply to schools without sitting through the rigors of the SAT. This book takes a step back and applies rigorous empirical measurements to these rival claims. Drawing upon the expertise of higher education researchers, admissions officers, enrollment managers, and policy professionals, this edited volume is among the first to investigate the research and policy implications of test-optional practices. It was conceived in response to the editors' frustration with the fragmented and incomplete state of the literature around the contemporary debate on college admissions testing. Many students, teachers, parents, policymakers--frankly, nearly anyone immediately outside the testing industry and college admissions--have little understanding of how admissions tests are used. This lack of transparency has often fueled beliefs that college assessments are biased, misused, or overused. Decades of research on various aspects of testing, such as the predictive validity of assessments, makes a compelling case for their value. But all-too-frequently researchers and admissions officers talk past one another instead of engaging substantively. This collection intends to remedy the situation by bringing these disparate voices together. This book is designed for provosts, enrollment managers, and college admissions officers seeking to strike the proper balance between uniformity and fairness"--

50 Myths and Lies That Threaten America's Public Schools

50 Myths and Lies That Threaten America's Public Schools PDF Author: David C. Berliner
Publisher: Teachers College Press
ISBN: 0807755249
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 273

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Book Description
Two of the most respected voices in education identify 50 myths and lies that threaten America's public schools. Berliner and Glass argue that many citizens' conception of K-12 public education in the United States is more myth than reality.

Great Myths of Education and Learning

Great Myths of Education and Learning PDF Author: Jeffrey D. Holmes
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118760484
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
Great Myths of Education and Learning reviews the scientific research on a number of widely-held misconceptions pertaining to learning and education, including misconceptions regarding student characteristics, how students learn, and the validity of various methods of assessment. A collection of the most important and influential education myths in one book, with in-depth examinations of each topic Focusing on research evidence regarding how people learn and how we can know if learning has taken place, the book provides a highly comprehensive review of the evidence contradicting each belief Topics covered include student characteristics related to learning, views of how the learning process works, and issues related to teaching techniques and testing

Beyond Testing

Beyond Testing PDF Author: Deborah Meier
Publisher: Teachers College Press
ISBN: 0807758523
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 160

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Book Description
Beyond Testing describes seven forms of assessment that are more effective than standardized test results. These assessments are more honest about what we can and cannot know about children's knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Readers can compare and contrast each approach to determine which is most appropriate for their school.

Assessment Myths

Assessment Myths PDF Author: Lia Plakans
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780472122059
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This volume was conceived as a "best practices" resource for assessment in the way that Vocabulary Myths by Keith S. Folse is one for reading and vocabulary teachers. Like others in the Myths series, this book combines research with good pedagogical practices. The book opens with an introduction that reviews many key assessment terms and concepts. The myths examined in this book are: Assessment is just writing tests and using statistics; A comprehensive final exam is the best way to evaluate students; Scores on performance assessments are preferable because of their accuracy and authenticity; Multiple choice tests are inaccurate measures of language but are easy to write; We should test only one skill at a time; A test's validity can be determined by looking at it; Issues of fairness are not a concern with standardized testing; Teachers should never be involved in preparing students for tests. Implications for teaching and an agenda for research are discussed in a conclusion.

The Way We Were

The Way We Were PDF Author: Sinead Moriarty
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 0241970725
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
'Heartfelt and deeply moving ... I couldn't put it down.' Susan Lewis 'Intriguing and thought provoking ... a great read.' Katie Fforde 'Gripping and thought-provoking - I was desperate to discover how it would pan out!' Paige Toon 'We ate this fabulous story up - 4 stars' Heat magazine 'Love, lies and longing - this has it all - 4 stars' Woman magazine 'Intriguing - a dramatic twist in the tale will keep you engrossed.' Candis When Alice's husband Ben dies suddenly, her world falls apart. They shared twenty years and two daughters and life without him is unimaginable. Having lost her parents while young, Alice understands her girls' pain. At fifteen, Jools is at that awkward age and only Ben could get through to her. And eleven-year-old Holly looks for the answer to everything in books but this time she's drawing a blank. Alice realizes that for their sakes she must summon up superhuman reserves of strength. Somehow all three of them come through the dark days. In time, it's even possible for Alice to consider marrying again, with the girls' blessing. So when Ben turns up after three years, her world is again turned upside-down. The girls assume that their family can go back to the way they were. Alice is not so sure. Once more Alice has to find the strength to be the mother her daughters need her to be. But this time what that means is far from clear ... The Way We Were won the Irish Book Award for Popular Fiction in 2015 'Fans of Sinéad know they can expect honesty, humour and great story-telling' Hello

"You Can't Fire the Bad Ones!"

Author: William Ayers
Publisher: Beacon Press
ISBN: 0807036676
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
Overturns common misconceptions about charter schools, school "choice," standardized tests, common core curriculum, and teacher evaluations. Three distinguished educators, scholars, and activists flip the script on many enduring and popular myths about teachers, teachers' unions, and education that permeate our culture. By unpacking these myths, and underscoring the necessity of strong and vital public schools as a common good, the authors challenge readers--whether parents, community members, policy makers, union activists, or educators themselves--to rethink their assumptions.

In the Know

In the Know PDF Author: Russell T. Warne
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108602215
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 437

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Book Description
Emotional intelligence is an important trait for success at work. IQ tests are biased against minorities. Every child is gifted. Preschool makes children smarter. Western understandings of intelligence are inappropriate for other cultures. These are some of the statements about intelligence that are common in the media and in popular culture. But none of them are true. In the Know is a tour of the most common incorrect beliefs about intelligence and IQ. Written in a fantastically engaging way, each chapter is dedicated to correcting a misconception and explains the real science behind intelligence. Controversies related to IQ will wither away in the face of the facts, leaving readers with a clear understanding about the truth of intelligence.

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon?

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon? PDF Author: Yong Zhao
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118487133
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
The secrets behind China's extraordinary educational system – good, bad, and ugly Chinese students' consistently stunning performance on the international PISA exams— where they outscore students of all other nations in math, reading, and science—have positioned China as a world education leader. American educators and pundits have declared this a "Sputnik Moment," saying that we must learn from China's education system in order to maintain our status as an education leader and global superpower. Indeed, many of the reforms taking hold in United States schools, such as a greater emphasis on standardized testing and the increasing importance of core subjects like reading and math, echo the Chinese system. We're following in China's footsteps—but is this the direction we should take? Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon? by award-winning writer Yong Zhao offers an entertaining, provocative insider's account of the Chinese school system, revealing the secrets that make it both "the best and worst" in the world. Born and raised in China's Sichuan province and a teacher in China for many years, Zhao has a unique perspective on Chinese culture and education. He explains in vivid detail how China turns out the world's highest-achieving students in reading, math, and science—yet by all accounts Chinese educators, parents, and political leaders hate the system and long to send their kids to western schools. Filled with fascinating stories and compelling data, Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon? offers a nuanced and sobering tour of education in China. Learn how China is able to turn out the world's highest achieving students in math, science, and reading Discover why, despite these amazing test scores, Chinese parents, teachers, and political leaders are desperate to leave behind their educational system Discover how current reforms in the U.S. parallel the classic Chinese system, and how this could help (or hurt) our students' prospects