Our students are tested to an extent that is unprecedented in American history and unparalleled anywhere in the world. Politicians and businesspeop...
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Sep 10, 2010
Jennifer
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As if you couldn't guess from the title, this book has a highly political slant against standardized testing (I just happen to agree with it). Kohn makes a clear and practical argument against standardized testing. He does not argue that the tests should not be used at all but, rather, that they should not be used in the high-stakes ways in which they are.
The argument is presented in a very conversational format where he responds to questions as if classroom teachers were inquiring More...
The argument is presented in a very conversational format where he responds to questions as if classroom teachers were inquiring More...
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Jun 26, 2011
Ashley
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This was written more than 10 years ago, and is strangely prophetic, considering all that we teachers see daily with AIMS and benchmark tests and all the rest.
None of this particularly blew my mind or changed my opinions, since I was inclined to agree with Kohn anyway (if you've already read The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and "Tougher Standards", then none of this will be new), but it's a good, concise statement of, well, the case again More...
None of this particularly blew my mind or changed my opinions, since I was inclined to agree with Kohn anyway (if you've already read The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and "Tougher Standards", then none of this will be new), but it's a good, concise statement of, well, the case again More...
Nov 14, 2010
William K
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Despite my distaste for Kohn's stance on abolishing homework, I found myself agreeing more with him on this one. This book was great because it offered a writer-reader dialogue that truly helped you think about the various aspects of testing. I found myself both agreeing and disagreeing with points made throughout the book, which made for a good read. There are some generalizations and opinions that could have been left out, but that's what makes his book debatable. Kohn doesn't convince me that
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Jul 24, 2011
Jek
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Preaching to the choir here but I wanted to read it to see if it was put forth fairly. I think the questions worked well as pot stirrers but it was a wee bit over-handed in the scare tactic realm. Still, I fully believe in the value of reading this title. I'm quite against them tests, I am. If you are a parent or are raising children in the states, please read this. I hope there is an updated version soon.
May 21, 2011
Laura
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A brief but valuable argument against standardized testing. If you're skeptical (or curious) about just how bad this testing and accountability movement is for our students and our schools, this is the book to read. Also a good resource for activists in this struggle.
Jul 16, 2009
Ellen
rated it:
A condemnation and well-reasoned critique of high-stakes testing and the sheer volume of it written BEFORE No Child Left Behind, which made testing a federal mandate.
Aug 09, 2011
Abridgment of his 1999 book The Schools Our Children Deserve, in Q&A format. A quick read, but nothing new.
Jul 16, 2008
Raleigh
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Not only does this book lay out a great critique of standardized testing, but it also explains was that you can help out in the fight against what's destroying our education system.
Jan 08, 2008
Nancy
rated it:
A solid case against standardized testing, although I am not quite brave enough to stand up to my school just yet in this department...!
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