Testing Charade: Pretending to Make Schools Better

The Testing Charade by Daniel Koretz argues that the idea of test-based accountability has failed and is harming students and corrupting the ideals of teaching. He calls out high-stakes testing as a sham that is ripe for manipulation and shows little evidence of leading to educational improvement. Koretz suggests that we need to measure what matters in multiple ways and end our blind reliance on standardized tests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2019
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

For decades, the quest to enhance public education has been a complex and contentious endeavor, with limited consensus on effective strategies. While there is a general agreement that schools must be held accountable for their performance, the approach to achieving this has become a subject of debate. One prominent expert on educational testing, Daniel Koretz, argues in his book "The Testing Charade" that the concept of test-based accountability has failed, becoming an end in itself and harming students and distorting the principles of teaching.

In this powerful polemic, Koretz exposes high-stakes testing as a sham, a false idol that is ripe for manipulation and offers little evidence of contributing to educational improvement. Instead of incentivizing instructional time to focus solely on test preparation, he advocates for measuring what truly matters and utilizing diverse methods to assess student learning. Koretz emphasizes the need to end our blind reliance on standardized tests, recognizing that they provide a limited and inaccurate representation of student knowledge and skills.

Koretz's book offers a comprehensive blueprint for improving education, urging educators and policymakers to shift their focus away from high-stakes testing and towards a more holistic and evidence-based approach. He advocates for measuring student progress through a variety of methods, including classroom observations, portfolios, and performance assessments. By embracing a broader range of metrics, educators can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their students' abilities and areas for growth.

Furthermore, Koretz challenges the notion that standardized tests are the sole measure of educational success. He argues that education should be tailored to individual student needs and interests, recognizing that every student has unique strengths and weaknesses. By providing a diverse curriculum and fostering a supportive learning environment, educators can help students reach their full potential and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century.

In conclusion, "The Testing Charade" by Daniel Koretz is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges the dominant narrative of high-stakes testing in education. By advocating for a more balanced and evidence-based approach to accountability, Koretz offers a roadmap for improving education and ensuring that students receive a quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 225 x 162 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226644882