I Love Data, But K-12 Standardized Tests Have Lost the Plot.

The article examines the challenges and limitations of standardized testing in American public schools, highlighting that despite frequent testing and seemingly strong scores, students may lack fundamental skills such as reading chapter books and basic arithmetic. It notes that standardized tests, originally intended to hold schools accountable and provide transparency, have become pervasive but often fail to measure essential learning, with accountability mechanisms weakening over time. The piece references the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation's Report Card, which shows declining math and reading scores among U.S. students. It also discusses efforts like Mississippi’s targeted interventions to improve literacy and grassroots movements advocating for a more balanced curriculum that includes civics, less screen time, and more recess. The article concludes that without improved accountability and a holistic approach, standardized testing dominates education to the detriment of broader learning goals. [Extracted from the article]