[Mpls] RE: Dr. Peebles

[Michael Atherton]

Chuck Holtman wrote:
 
>  Comments from the sidelines:

It's not really the sidelines considering that Pratt
Elementary was save on Dr. Peebles watch.

>  1. Let's not lose sight of the fact that "test scores" do 
>  not measure whether a school system is successful.  They are 
>  used as a measurement because many believe outcome measures 
>  are needed and therefore you need to create something that 
>  you can measure and because, now, the feds require it (in my 
>  view, the intent of NCLB is to divert public funds, take 
>  away time from learning and further weaken public education; 
>  I don't have Mr. Atherton's research knowledge, I just have 
>  my knowledge of the administration's agenda and of how 
>  disruptive NCLB and similar testing has been to learning in 
>  my daughter's school).  We can talk about "test scores" as 
>  shorthand, but let's remember there's a broader view.

Although testing scores do not necessarily measure whether
a school system is successful, they are a very reliable
and strong indicator.

I would also like to point out that it is not NCLB that 
makes testing disruptive.  There was testing before NCLB
and the law itself only requires that the states do
testing at most grade levels and include all students.  
The type of test and testing standards are left up to 
individual states.  The fact that the District hasn't 
modified and consolidated their tests to conform
with NCLB is their responsibility.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park