The Web is always changing and evolving--new information is continually being added, new sites created, and new tools available. This is the spot for staying on top of this evolving world!
Controversy over proposed new national tests of reading in grade 4 and mathematics in grade 8 reflects widely varying points of view about the role and benefits of national testing. While the House of Representatives voted to eliminate proposed federal funds for the tests, the Senate voted to support creation of the new "voluntary" tests, which were proposed by the President.
Issues that surround the controversy over the proposed new tests are complex ones on which various educators and testing specialists themselves do not agree. Questions being asked include: If established, to what extent should the tests (particularly in mathematics) measure the "basics" and to what extent should they measure more complex problem-solving requiring use of basic skills? Should students be allowed to use the tools they learn with in the classroom -- most especially, calculators, when they take the test? What accommodations, if any, should be made for limited-English proficient students? What accommodations should be made for students with disabilities?
Among the most contentious issues are those relating to how the tests will be used. A significant area of concern and disagreement being addressed by numerous groups focuses on whether the tests will be used to "rank" individual students or schools. Equally as controversial has been the fundamental question: should additional federal funds, estimated in the tens of millions of dollars over the next several years, be allocated for more testing in schools, or are there higher priorities for federal funds to foster academic excellence among the nation's students?
What's New of the Net identifies sites on the World Wide Web dealing with the national testing debate, which is expected to continue well beyond current decisions. Some focus on the proposed new tests and the role of national standards; some are news sites that are good sources for updates on education issues generally; and still others relate to existing national and international testing programs.
Ask ERIC Lesson Plans
Voluntary National Tests
National Standards of Academic Excellence -- the President's Plan
Secretary of Education Riley's Testimony on Voluntary National Tests for Reading and Math
U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Education and the Workforce: Hot Topics -- National Testing
Content Standards for Proposed National Reading and Math Tests
A Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks for K-12 Education
Transcripts of The National Test Panel Meetings
Technical Advisory Group Public Meetings on Voluntary National Tests
Politics Watch: National Standards -- Education Week on the Web
Close-Up: Voluntary National Tests -- Education World
National Testing: Prepare for a Battle -- Education World
Senate Backs Modified Plan for National Student Tests -- Washington Post
National Tests: A Yardstick to Learn By -- Washington Post By William J. Bennet and Chester E. Finn, Jr.
House Votes Down Clinton Plan for National Reading, Math Achievement Tests -- Washington Post
National Assessment Governing Board
National Assessment of Educational Progress
National Assessment of Educational Progress 1994 Reading Report Card
National Assessment of Educational Progress 1996 Mathematics Report Card for the Nation and States
Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) -- American Association for School Administrators: Front Burner Issues
August 18, 1997 -- Finding Lesson Plans on the Web July 10, 1997 -- Best Web Sites for K-12 Education April 16, 1997 -- Critical Thinking February 22, 1997 --The Internet and World Wide Web in K-12 Education December 19, 1996 --Multiple Intelligences Theory November 21, 1996 --Arts Education October 23, 1996 --Mathematics and Science Education September 18, 1996 --Principles of Motivation August 15, 1996 --Promoting Safe, Disciplined Schools July 16, 1996 --Addressing the Needs of Gifted and Talented Students. June 24, 1996 --Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) May 22, 1996 --Urban Schools and Disadvantaged Students May 1, 1996 --Educational Assessment Approaches April 17, 1996 --Diversity in The Nation's Classrooms April 3, 1996 --The 1996 National Education Summit: Education Standards March 22, 1996 --Reading and Writing Initiatives March 7, 1996 --Education, Motivation, and Life Success Feb. 21, 1996 --Technology and America's Schools Feb. 6, 1996 --Social Studies and Character Development
