Giving Compass Take:

· We still need standards and accountability to accurately evaluate student progression and prevent stagnation.  Standardized testing helps measure student progress and spotlight students and schools that need assistance.

· Do we still need a standardized test to measure student progress in education? How can we provide personalized education plans with standards and accountability?

· Read more about education reform.

I think I got a peek last week into why student achievement has turned stagnant in America.

It was, ironically, at a conference sponsored by a fine education policy organization. Indeed, many of the attendees were solid policymakers and practitioners. Yet to my considerable surprise, several participants made worrisome comments that received little pushback.

I want here to describe and rebut those comments. Further, I want to suggest the hypothesis that when such comments are made in an ed reform setting without serious opposition, it’s no wonder reform itself is on the wane. Finally, I want to challenge those who are truly committed to improvement to get fully back on track with standards-based reform so we can return to the days of steady gains in student achievement.

Read the full article about education reform, standardized testing and accountability by Sandy Kress at The 74.