The Myths of Standardized Tests

Why They Don’t Tell You What You Think They Do

Table of Contents

List of Medleys

Introduction: This Is Not a Test

Chapter 1. Misunderstanding Accountability: The Big Picture

Chapter 2. The Tests Are Too Narrow

Chapter 3. The Tests Don’t Measure Achievement Adequately Testing Autobiography: Phil’s Story

Chapter 4. The Tests Are Less Than Objective Testing Autobiography: Bruce’s Story

Chapter 5. Rewards and Punishments Don’t Motivate Testing Autobiography: Joan’s Story

Chapter 6. The Distortions of High Stakes

Chapter 7. What’s Left Out?

Chapter 8. Why Not More Direct Measurement?

Chapter 9. The Tests Don’t Predict Well

Chapter 10. New Ideas for Genuine Accountability

Chapter 11. What’s It All About?

A Resource Guide

Notes

Say What?: An Abbreviated Glossary

Index

About the Authors