Friday, December 16, 2016

Test scores aren't everything

Interesting insights from Sand Springs school administrator Rob Miller this week:
How have we been hoodwinked into believing that a child’s performance on a multiple choice test on one day each year could actually serve as an accurate or reliable proxy for later life outcomes we care about—like graduating from high school, going to college, getting a job, earning a good living, being a good community member, raising a family, staying out of jail, etc.? 
Because, you know, they’re not. 
In fact, several research studies have finally pointed out the disconnect between test scores and life success. If you have some time, I encourage you to dive into Jay Greene’s assessment of this mishmash of data at his recent EducationNext article.
Dr. Greene discussed some of these matters in a presentation last year at OCPA ("The Dangers of a High-Regulation Approach to School Choice"). His speech and PowerPoint presentation are available here.

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