Pressure is growing on U.S. Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, to grant a nationwide waiver for state standardized testing required under ESSA. Since these tests are extremely “high-stakes” in many states (impacting everything from grade advancement to graduation to funding), many educators are deeply concerned about the huge negative impact that this requirement might have on their students this year. This article is an update on the current situation and what may lie ahead.
The Sky is Falling! (again)
Posted on February 6, 2020 Written by
Recently the failing schools myth received another huge boost … this time from the very highest levels!
Responding to NAEP proficiency scores, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said, “The numbers are reason for deep concern. This country has a student achievement crisis.”
She later added, “Our nation’s report card shows that two-thirds of American students can’t read at grade level. Two out of three!” This statement not only shows a complete lack of understanding about how to interpret test scores, but is yet another indication of the Secretary’s extreme bias against public schools.
This article takes an extensive look into the issue. It’s well worth the read!