High stakes: Teaching to the tests in K-12

High stakes: Teaching to the tests in K-12

Author: Ethical Schools July 15, 2024 Duration: 37:16

We continue our conversation with Harry Feder of FairTest. This time, we discuss high stakes tests in K-12 schools. Harry explains how tests and the prep for them came to dominate education and the consequences for students, teachers, and schools of high or low scores. He also describes how the same companies dominate textbooks and testing, and suggests some alternatives to high-stakes tests.

Overview

00:00-00:50 Intros

00:50-06:35 How testing became such a huge part of the K-12 experience

06:35-09:31 Amount of testing autonomy of districts and schools

09:31-14:23 Consequences and benefits of test scores

14:23-16:32 Impact on teaching as a profession

16:32-19:51 Test score use for middle and high school admissions

19:51-23:42 Relationship between commercial testing companies and textbook companies

23:42-26:36 PISA—Program for International Student Assessment

26:36-30:01 Fairtest’s proposals for alternatives to current testing system

29:45- Outro

References

  • Click here to listen to Part 1 of our conversation with Harry Feder 
  • Fairtest website

Transcript


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
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