Leaving students behind: The tyranny of testing

Leaving students behind: The tyranny of testing

Author: Ethical Schools September 17, 2021 Duration: 30:44

Bob Schaeffer, Executive Director of FairTest, talks about high-stakes standardized tests as barriers to equal opportunity. Fairer college admissions criteria are increasing admissions diversity, but well-funded supporters of high-stakes tests are still resisting replacement of the tests in elementary and secondary schools. Many schools eliminated high-stakes testing during the pandemic, and FairTest supports making high-stakes waivers or repeals permanent.

Overview

00:00-00:46 Intros

00:46-01:31 FairTest’s objectives

01:31-02:22 Most success in higher ed

02:22-03:40 Changes in test use in college admissions

03:40-05:20 Affect on affirmative action

05:20-06:48 Relative costs in time and money of alternative measures for college admissions

06:48-07:33 Admission of foreign students

07:33-08:47 High stakes testing in other countries

08:47-10:48 Changes in high stakes testing in K-12

10:48 13:05 Resistance to changes in K-12 testing

13:05-15:17 Organizations who oppose changes; National PTA changed its position and began to support testing after Gates Foundation funding

15:17-16:59 Black parents’ concerns about wanting an “objective measure” of their child’s knowledge and why standardized tests don’t provide that

16:59-18:45 Alternatives to high stakes testing

18:45-20:09 False  promises of improving academic quality and reducing gaps

20:09-21:57 Appropriate role for standardized tests

21:57-23:34 Testing and regulation of charter schools

23:34-24:50 Corporations in testing-industrial complex


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

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