Recently, CNN aired a special on NCLB and the current status of testing. I didn't get the chance to see it, but Education Gadfly, who did, wasn't impressed:
While brief moments are devoted to explaining how standards and testing can turn around schools, the many teacher diatribes against NCLB and student woes from standardized testing make it pretty clear where America's most trusted name in news stands. The program insinuates that the problems with the Houston school district miracle/myth will be replicated around the country as a result of NCLB. In describing the cheating that occurred, the blame falls not on cheating teachers but on former superintendent Rod Paige and his "reign of terror." In fact, in true [Michael] Moore fashion, the program seems to suggest a Paige/Bush cabal to fake achievement, win the presidential election, and force testing on the unsuspecting nation.While there are plenty of sad student tales, missing are the stories of those hurt by the old system or helped by the new one. As Manhattan Institute's Jay Greene notes (the program was basically Greene vs. everyone else), "Any system [will] create some sad outcome for somebody," and while just giving everyone diplomas "might help some students, you would hurt many more. And that kind of system is rotten, and it's produced the stagnation that we've had for the last three decades." More disturbing is that this slanted special is a "Classroom Edition" intended to be shown to students. The internet workbook for teachers (see here) asks such questions as, "What do you think are some possible 'unanticipated' social, political, economic or psychological consequences that could occur as a result of high-stakes testing and mandatory retention?" Not that we're telegraphing our punches, mind you.
I clicked on the internet workbook, and let me assure you, the Gadfly isn't exaggerating. There are 10 "Discussion Questions" listed, and three are about the negative impact of testing and mandatory retentions. One is about alternatives to testing, one is about cheating, one is about why this is called a "battle," and one wants the students' "reactions" to claims about dropout rates. There are three questions (# 2, 9, and 10) that I consider reasonably balanced and not provocative, but as I said, I didn't see the program. Given the Gadfly's review, it sounds like CNN was hoping for negative responses to questions such as, "After watching this program, what questions do you have about NCLB and high stakes testing?"
Posted by kswygert at May 18, 2005 08:27 PM