Author: FairTest

A FairTest ReportbyMonty Neill, Acting Executive Director January 1998 See related NAEP reading and math scores A common assumption of standards and tests-based school reform is that high-stakes testing, such as having to pass an exam for high school graduation, will produce improved learning outcomes. This view is found in the grading formula used in […]

“I think a lot of people are going to drop out if they fail this test. If they feel they’re not going to make it to college, why bother trying?”– Lacy Langevin, New Bedford High School, Class of 2003 “We’ll have a graduating class of 10.”– Crissy Rodrigues, New Bedford High School, Class of 2003 […]

The following are FairTest Examiner articles highlighting the experiences of institutions nationwide that have eliminated or de-emphasized college admissions tests. A list of all Examiner articles from Spring 1995-current is also available. Summer 2002Texas Report Shows “Test-Optional” Admission Works Spring 2002UC Moves Toward “Achievement” Tests Summer 2001Texas Reduces Graduate Exam Score EmphasisMore Test-score Optional Progress […]

Education Reform in Massachusetts began with high hopes. As educators, parents, and citizens, we believe those hopes have been eroded by the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests. These tests have disrupted our classrooms and schools and diverted valuable resources away from efforts that put decision making more appropriately in the hands of local communities, […]

DATEMr/Ms.TitleDepartmentAgencyAddressCity, State, Zip Mr/Ms. _____, I would like to request copies of the following information under the Freedom of Information Act and as a request as an Ohio Citizen. Could you and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) please provide me with copies of any and all documents that discuss, evaluate or state the appropriate […]

Massachusetts is one state that bases receipt of a “merit-based” scholarship on standardized test scores. According to the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery is part of the Education Reform Law of 1993, designed to reward students who “demonstrate high academic achievement.” This “achievement” is measured through a combination of […]

Donald E. HellerAssistant Professor of EducationUniversity of Michigan In the spring of 1999, approximately 124,000 high school students throughout Michigan took the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) High School Tests (HST). The tests were given in four subject areas: mathematics, reading, science, and writing. Students are not required to take the tests. In June 1999, […]

Governor Jeb BushOffice of the GovernorThe CapitolTallahassee, FL 32399 December 5, 2001 Dear Governor Jeb Bush The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) recently uncovered troubling data regarding Florida’s Bright Futures scholarship program. Proportionately few African American and Latino high school graduates received a Bright Futures scholarship for the 1999-2000 school year as […]

Funded out of state lottery coffers, Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship is the nation’s second-largest state-run scholarship program. Nearly $300 million in aid was awarded between 1999 and 2001. Designed to reward “students for their academic achievements during high school by providing funding for them to pursue postsecondary educational and career goals in Florida,” the program […]

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA TAI KWAN CURETON, LEATRICE SHAW, : CIVIL ACTION ANDREA GARDNER, and : ALEXANDER WESBY, : NO. 97-131 individually and on behalf of all others : similarly situated, : : Plaintiffs, : : v. : : NATIONAL COLLEGIATE : ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, : : Defendant. […]