Claims that standards-based tests neither measure skills and knowledge accurately nor help educators do a better instructional job. The article offers suggestions in four areas to make the tests contribute to improved instruction: measurement of content standards; descriptions of standards; standard-by-standard reporting; and locally administered…

National testing will not improve teacher's genius, students' prospects in life, or learning opportunities in school's immediate surroundings. Too much emphasis will be placed on comparisons among districts, counties, and states. Money will be pumped into raising scores, not decreasing class size or giving teachers more time to work with children.…

In recent years, public dissatisfaction with education has led educators, citizens, and policymakers to consider creating a national system of standards and assessments. This dissatisfaction resulted in movement to establish national standards and assessments in U.S. education. These standards are designed to raise the achievement levels of all…