Sent to the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 28, 2015
Paul Peterson (Op-ed, Feb. 23) asserts that yearly testing done under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) resulted in increased test scores (“modest” gains in math), “solid evidence” in support of annual testing. Ron Harris (letters, Feb. 27) argues that the increased test scores are due to better test-taking strategies.
Researchers Jaekyung Lee and Todd Reeves analyzed data from all 50 states from 1990 to 2009 and concluded that the NCLB testing policy did not increase reading gains and did not close ethnic/racial and socio-economic achievement gaps in reading. Gains in math were not “modest” but small, and the reduction of the math achievement gap fell far short of reaching NCLB targets. Lee and Reeves based their conclusions on the NAEP test, a “low-stakes” test that is immune to “test preparation.”
NCLB test score gains were not due to better test-prep: Lee and Reeves’ analysis strongly suggests that they never happened.
Stephen Krashen
Paul Peterson (Op-ed, Feb. 23) asserts that yearly testing done under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) resulted in increased test scores (“modest” gains in math), “solid evidence” in support of annual testing. Ron Harris (letters, Feb. 27) argues that the increased test scores are due to better test-taking strategies.
Researchers Jaekyung Lee and Todd Reeves analyzed data from all 50 states from 1990 to 2009 and concluded that the NCLB testing policy did not increase reading gains and did not close ethnic/racial and socio-economic achievement gaps in reading. Gains in math were not “modest” but small, and the reduction of the math achievement gap fell far short of reaching NCLB targets. Lee and Reeves based their conclusions on the NAEP test, a “low-stakes” test that is immune to “test preparation.”
NCLB test score gains were not due to better test-prep: Lee and Reeves’ analysis strongly suggests that they never happened.
Stephen Krashen
Dr. Krashen, conservatives have no interest in research, science, objective views, facts or anything of the sort they have the Revealed Word on their side. Like the blue/black dress vs the white/gold dress or whatever, some folks just think their little brains are on not just the Right Track but the Only Track.