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Standards-Based Reforms
Nationally and in Ohio, we press for the full suite of standards-based reforms across the academic curriculum and throughout the K–12 system, including (but not limited to) careful implementation of the Common Core standards for English-Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics as well as rigorous, aligned assessments and forceful accountability mechanisms at every level.
Standards Central
Standards Central is a one-stop-shop for all of Fordham's recent reviews of state, national, and international curriculum and testing standards. This online clearinghouse presents a wealth of information about individual states’ academic standards, the Common Core State Standards, and various national and international assessment frameworks and standards. The Fordham Institute’s Standards Central includes a Best in Class page highlighting states with the strongest standards in English language arts (ELA), math, and U.S. history.
Recent Publications
Commentary & Feedback on Draft II of the Next Generation Science Standards
Paul Gross , Douglas Buttrey , Ursula Goodenough , Noretta Koertge , Lawrence S. Lerner , Martha Schwartz , Richard Schwartz , William H. Schmidt , W. Stephen Wilson / February 4, 2013
The Thomas B. Fordham Institute has provided big-picture feedback and detailed, standard-specific commentary for the second draft of the Next Generation Science Standards—standards that done right, set a firm foundation upon which the rest of science education across the states will be constructed. In our comments on the first draft, we concluded that “the NGSS authors have much to do to ensure that the final draft is a true leap forward in science education.” In comments on Draft II, we address to what extent NGSS writers have moved closer to a set of K–12 science standards that even states with strong standards of their own would do well to adopt.
2011-12 Ohio Report Card Analysis
Aaron Churchill / December 19, 2012
Our annual analysis of school performance in our home state's major urban areas, plus a projection of proficiency rates when the PARCC exams arrive in 2014-15.
Commentary & Feedback on Draft I of the Next Generation Science Standards
Paul Gross , Lawrence S. Lerner , John Lynch , Martha Schwartz , Richard Schwartz , W. Stephen Wilson / June 25, 2012
In May, Achieve unveiled and solicited comments on the first draft of the Next Generation Science Standards, the product of months of work by a team of writers from twenty-six states. This document provides commentary, feedback, and constructive advice that Fordham hopes the NGSS authors will consider as they revise the standards before the release of a second draft later this year.
Recent Articles
Ohio Gadfly Daily
Bill Gates not a fan of Ohio's PE evaluations
April 5, 2013
Bill Gates piece in Washington Post sides with Terry Ryan's commentary about Ohio's physical education evaluations.
Flypaper
The right response to the Atlanta cheating scandal
April 5, 2013
Intelligently mend test-based accountability, don't end it
Common Core Watch
In the Knowledge Economy, It’s Knowledge That Matters
April 5, 2013
The industrial economy that typified the twentieth century has been replaced by what has been dubbed the “knowledge” economy. And experts agree that while the industrial economy was driven by productivity, the knowledge economy is and will be driven by ideas.
Flypaper
Agitating, standards, charters, teachers, and widgets
April 4, 2013
Andy's picks, from Kansas City to CALDER
Ohio Gadfly Daily
What explains KIPP’s success?
April 4, 2013
Mathematica doesn’t find the magic formula for KIPP’s success. But, there are a few tantalizing results.
