Backlash! Run For It!

Let me get this straight: In states where standardized testing figures as a big issue in the gubernatorial races it turns out to be controversial and concern about it increases…while nationwide polls show the public remains generally supportive of standards-based reform. Wow! Such radical political stuff that I don’t see how it is big A section news? The testing backlash story is a perennial favorite and the WaPo has been on it lately, Russo deconstructs their last effort here, but that doesn’t mean (a) it is going to translate into much or (b) that all the anecdotes frequently tossed around are true. And, on Florida in particular, the focus of today’s story, the needle there has moved for low-performing kids. I’m not a fan of every aspect of their program but the NAEP numbers are worth noting, some real gains there.