Testing & Accountability

October 8, 2009

Stars by Which to Navigate? Scanning National and International Education Standards in 2009

In this report, expert reviewers appraise the Common Core drafts - which outline college and career readiness standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and in math - and also evaluate the reading/writing and math frameworks that undergird the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Programme for International Student Achievement (PISA). How strong are these well-known models?

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September 8, 2009

From Schoolhouse to Courthouse

From Schoolhouse to Courthouse: The Judiciary's Role in American Education examines the role of the courts in modern American K-12 education. From race to speech, from religion to school funding, few aspects of education policy have escaped the courtroom. In this book, experts describe just what the impact of judicial involvement has been. Published jointly by Fordham and Brookings Institution Press.

August 27, 2009

International Lessons about National Standards

by Richard Houang, William H. Schmidt, Sharif Shakrani

Whether the United States should embrace national standards and tests is perhaps today's hottest education issue. For guidance in addressing it, this report looks beyond our borders. How have other countries navigated these turbid waters? What can we learn from them? Expert analysts examined national standards and testing in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Russia, Singapore and South Korea.

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April 29, 2009

Growing Pains in the Advanced Placement Program: Do Tough Trade-Offs Lie Ahead?

by Ann Duffett, Steve Farkas

Over the past five years, the number of students taking at least one Advanced Placement exam rose by more than half. This news is celebrated but is there a downside? To find out, Fordham commissioned the Farkas Duffett Research Group to survey AP teachers in the US. The AP program remains popular with its teachers. But there are signs that the move toward "open door" access to AP is starting to cause concern.

March 24, 2009

When Private Schools Take Public Dollars: What's the Place of Accountability in School Voucher Programs?

by Chester E. Finn, Jr., Christina Hentges, Michael J. Petrilli, Amber Winkler

Voucher opponents often argue that it?s unfair to hold public schools accountable for results under the No Child Left Behind Act and various state rules while allowing private schools that participate in school voucher programs to receive taxpayer dollars without similar accountability. In pursuit of a reasonable middle ground, we sought the advice of twenty experts in the school-choice world. This paper presents their thoughts and opinions, as well as Fordham?s own ideas.