The Truth About Testing: An Educator's Call to Action

by W. James Popham

With public and political demand for educational accountability never higher, educators are under enormous pressure to raise students' scores on standardized achievement tests. Policymakers are backing large-scale, high-stakes testing programs as the best way to determine which schools are failing and which schools are succeeding, and the only way to ensure the quality of students' schooling. Nonsense, says distinguished educator and author W. James Popham. In The Truth About An Educator's Call to Action , Popham explores both the absurdity and the serious destructive consequences of today's testing programs. He uses actual items drawn from current standardized achievement tests to show what these tests really measure and why they should never be used to evaluate school quality or teacher ability. But, Popham insists, there's a way out of this measurement mess. And it's up to educators to take the first steps. Throughout this commonsense and conversational resource, the author appeals to educators to build their own assessment literacy, spread the word about harmful testing, and reexamine how they use test data in the classroom. He provides advice for distinguishing between sound and unsound large-scale tests, guidelines to help teachers maximize the instructional benefits properly constructed classroom tests can bring, and evidence-gathering strategies for teachers and administrators trying to survive and thrive in an accountability-driven environment. The book closes with a series of action items for educators interested in ending the score-boosting game, halting the erosion of educational quality, and establishing the kind of testing that can improve student learning.

Genres: Education, Reference, Teaching

167 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[S Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an interesting read if you like books about testing. Although, it is very eye opening; since how it is from the 2000's; it needs some updating as to the changes that the testing field has gone through in the recent years.

[Kokie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information about standardized tests. I was able to walk away with some actionable items relevant to my classroom, but I think this book addresses more on the level of admin than teacher. I also found it a little focused on elementary grades and a bit outdated (published in 2001). Not bad, but now everything I wanted.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The truth about testing is that it is often insubstantial, measuring a breadth of information that is often incompatible about what is actually taught in any particular school/grade/classroom, should not be used as a measure of teacher accountability, and is generally overused, somewhat harmful, and everyone hates it. As a teacher, I couldn't agree more. Three stars- the writing is dry, and the author repeats herself a bit more than necessary, and I think the only people who will read this will just be turning pages saying, "You are preaching to the choir!" I don't know any teachers who truly like standardized testing. Some data is great- measures of basic skills and progress are useful, but the focus on testing in today's educational environment is a depressing topic, as is this book. Three stars, because the author is correct, not a great writer.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for class. I found it very interesting and informative. Popham makes great points about testing and how it can improve (not to mention why it shouldn't be used for teacher accountability!!)

[Stan Golanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, compelling, eye-opening.