We at Education Insights recently participated in the beta-testing of a fascinating online discussion hosted by NewTalk.org. It is an experimental approach to dialogue and consensus-building currently being developed by Common Good, and this first session focused on standardized testing. Due to launch this spring, NewTalk.org brings together experts in theory, policy and practice to share candid views on issues that require broad structural reform.
While you won’t be able to join in open dialogue sessions until the site launches in the spring, I think you will find the pilot discussion on standardized testing both illuminating and encouraging. You can read an edited transcript of the trial session here.
This NewTalk discussion features Leo Casey, the United Federation of Teachers, vice president of Academic High Schools; Janet Corcoran, current president of Common Good and former president of PENCIL; Chester Finn, president of The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation and senior fellow at The Hoover Institute; Ryan Hill, Executive Director of TEAM Schools, a Network of KIPP Schools, Newark; Diane Ravitch, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education and professor at New York University; and Deb White, teacher at Cody, Wyoming; and founder of Cody Teen Leadership Coalition. It was great pleasure for me to serve as moderator.
The talk began with three questions: “Is there too much testing? Are we using it to measure the right things? And is it having a positive or negative impact on what happens in the classroom?”
As many of you know, Common Good is a non-profit, non-partisan legal reform coalition dedicated to restoring common sense to America. Public Agenda has worked with Common Good on several important reports including "I'm Calling My Lawyer," 2003, a study which examined school officials’ views on the lawsuit culture and "Teaching Interrupted," 2004, a national survey of parents and teachers on school climate and classroom order.
We hope, as the work on NewTalk.org progresses, you'll be joining in future conversations on other key education issues. If you have reactions about the discussion or suggestions for future topics and participants, Public Agenda would be very pleased to hear your ideas.