Network Schools – Wayne Gerseny to https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/04/03/magazine/thomas-piketty-interview u w B l.html?h I’ll smid=url-share the Is for

The national standardized test regarded as a crucial barometer of student achievement could be postponed until 2022 due to the coronavirus, the Education Department announced Wednesday.

Federal officials said that too many students are participating in virtual learning or are attending schools that prohibit outside visitors, making it impossible to effectively administer the exam.

The article doesn’t say so… but Ms. DeVos has already insisted that STATES continue with their tests, because, presumably, some states are keeping schools open and not doing remote learning.

So here’s a conundrum for me, someone who is opposed to the widespread use of test-based accountability: should I be happy this is happening or not? Surprisingly, I am disappointed to see the NAEP fall by the wayside because I feel it is the most valid means of determining which states are performing the best. When States design tests and set cut scores they can do so in a way that makes them appear better than they are by dumbing the tests down or setting low cut scores for proficiency… but the NAEP serves as a fair and impartial yardstick of progress at the state level. Where psychometrics go wrong is when they try to draw conclusions about schools— or even worse— TEACHERS based on test scores.

If Ms. DeVos were insisting that ALL standardized tests go on hiatus I would be applauding the decision. Cancelling NAEP seems wrongheaded to me.