Who Really Benefits from Testing in Schools? (originally posted 10/13)

"Alternatively, the states themselves could become major actors in the test-making industry. Though some states now use commercial "off-the-shelf" tests, states are increasingly developing their own tests or are customizing the commercial tests to better "align" them with their curricula standards. Georgia, for instance, uses Harcourt's Stanford Achievement Test for grades 3, 5, and 8, yet it uses its own state-developed tests in grades 4, 6, 8, 11, and 12. Many states now use such hybrid assessment systems" 

Dear friends, 

We saw it in Chicago recently, now Philadelphia is getting ready to start the new school year, but having a huge problem in figuring out how to fund the schools. 

At the heart of the problem, strangely enough, is the fact that, because of the No Child Left Behind Act that was originally instituted by Pres. George Bush and continued under Pres. Barack Obama, entire school systems are under the thumb of the Testing Industry. 

But who really benefits from all of this testing? Is it our students, or is it, perhaps, corporations, politicians, and lobbyists that are inflating their bank accounts with the many billions of dollars that this test-giving and evaluating enterprise (No Child Left Behind) brings? 

To be sure, in and of themselves, academic achievement tests provide no measure of one’s ability to perform well outside of the classroom. That fact is particularly true, since while we are able to measure that which is made up of matter, as far as I know, not even the most ingenious physicist or the most advanced technological instrument would be able to measure that which is immaterial - such as the human mind (or spirit). 

Surely, while we can’t measure it, we are able to make that which is immaterial tangible, especially in the form of art. However, the Testing Industry sees no use for that; therefore, our schools don’t either. Hence, the reduction, if not eradication, of all arts programs in our schools nationwide. 

Nevertheless, on the link below, is an article that shows the Testing Industry's booty. Please check it out. Cheers! 

G. Djata Bumpus http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/schools/testing/companies.html