(note - for a PDF formatted version of this fact sheet click here)

Independent researchers have found that evaluating and paying teachers for test scores is either damaging or irrelevant to improved learning.*  Unfortunately, even evidence of harm does not seem to affect the growing popularity of such schemes. Policymakers, including U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, should stop promoting this failed approach.

Thank you. My name is Monty Neill and I am the Interim Executive Director of FairTest, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing.

FairTest comments on US Education Department's "Race to the Top Assessment Program" hearing in Boston on Nov. 12. 

- See oral remarks in text or PDF.

- See detailed comments (including oral remarks) in PDF.

TO AVOID SLIPPING BACKWARDS ON EDUCATION REFORM, DRAFT “RACE TO THE TOP” GUIDELINES MUST BE REVISED

A Critical Analysis of the Citizen's Commission on Civil Rights report,
National Teachers Unions and the Struggle Over School Reform

by Monty Neill, FairTest

July 14, 2009

The following principles are drawn from the report of the Expert Panel on Assessment of the Forum on Educational Accountability and represent a launching point from which conference discussions on what is necessary to construct high-quality assessment and accountability systems may begin.

1. Ensure all students have equitable and adequate access to the resources needed to succeed.

2. Construct comprehensive and coherent systems of state and local assessments of student learning that:

These remarks were delivered by Monty Neill, Ed.D., Interim Executive Director of FairTest, as part of a panel discussion following a keynote presentation by Dr. James Pellegrino.

Thank you. I am very happy to be with you today, and I am looking forward to a very interesting, challenging and productive conference.

I'd like to make two main points:

    First, the need to shift from an accountability model to a shared responsibility approach. 

Materials from FairTest-National Education Association State Assessment Reform Conference

Transforming State Assessment Systems: Conference Materials

In May 2009, FairTest and the National Education Association held a conference on transforming state assessment systems. Materials from this conference include:

- Potential Principles for Building High-Quality State Assessment Systems (a starting point for conference discussions)

A Joint Organizational Statement on the Federal Role in Public Schooling

Contact Monty Neill 857-350-8207 or 8208 x 101
Lisa Guisbond 617-730-5445

for immediate release, April 28, 2009