Publications
Too Good to Last: The True Story of Reading First
Sol Stern / March 5, 2008
Too Good to Last: The True Story of Reading First is an in-depth and alarming study of Reading First's betrayal. Under the leadership of White House domestic policy chief Margaret Spellings and with support from Congress, Reading First was to provide funding to primary-reading programs that were based on scientific research. Backlash and brouhaha followed. Aggrieved whole-language program proprietors complained bitterly that their wares couldn't be purchased with Reading First funds. Then the administration turned its back on Reading First, allowing the program to be gutted and starved of funding.
The Proficiency Illusion
Deborah Adkins , G. Gage Kingsbury , Michael Dahlin , John Cronin / October 4, 2007
NCLB allows each state to define proficiency as it sees fit and design its own tests. This study compares state tests to benchmarks laid out by the Northwest Evaluation Association to evaluate proficiency cut scores for assessments in twenty-six states. The findings suggest that the tests states use to measure academic progress and student proficiency under NCLB are creating a false impression of success, especially in reading and especially in the early grades.
Crystal Apple: Education Insiders' Predictions for No Child Left Behind's Reauthorization
Michael J. Petrilli , Coby Loup / January 4, 2007
January 8, 2007, was the fifth birthday of the No Child Left Behind Act. This isn't just another milestone to be celebrated (or mourned). The law is now due for an update from Congress. But will NCLB be reauthorized on schedule? What changes are likely? No one knows for sure, but the ubiquitous 'Washington insiders' might be in a better position than others to cast prognostications. While not a 'representative sample' of thousands, their inside knowledge adds valuable insight.
To Dream the Impossible Dream: Four Approaches to National Standards and Tests for America's Schools
Michael J. Petrilli , Chester E. Finn, Jr. / August 29, 2006
Education policy leaders from across the political spectrum flesh out and evaluate several forms that national standards and testing could take.
