Testy over testing: More students snub standardized exams

When it comes to standardized tests, parents across the country are (a) concerned; (b) demanding change; (c) pulling tens of thousands of children out of the exams; or (d) making themselves heard at the top levels of government.

Ear buds, computers needed for new standardized tests

Sixth-grader Kayla Hunter considers herself pretty tech savvy. She has a computer at home unlike about half her classmates at her elementary school. And it matches up well with the one she'll use this week to take a new test ...

Education secretary says he backs annual testing

Foreshadowing what could be a contentious battle with Congress, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Monday that rolling back federal testing requirements in math and reading would deprive students, parents and their schools ...

High-stakes testing, lack of voice driving teachers out

Contrary to popular opinion, unruly students are not driving out teachers in droves from America's urban school districts. Instead, teachers are quitting due to frustration with standardized testing, declining pay and benefits ...

Are elementary school start times too early for young children?

It's rarely easy to get a child out of bed, dressed, fed and off to school, especially when it's still dark outside. Schoolchildren everywhere (their parents too, if they are being honest) groan for "just a little longer" ...

Study finds GPA more important than standardized tests

A study released in early February de-emphasized the role of standardized test scores in relation to graduation rates and college GPAs, calling into question the mandated submission of these tests when applying to some colleges. ...

Even when test scores go up, some cognitive abilities don't

To evaluate school quality, states require students to take standardized tests; in many cases, passing those tests is necessary to receive a high-school diploma. These high-stakes tests have also been shown to predict students' ...

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