A UT professor has released research that could be a big problem for state testing.
Walter Stroup is a UT professor in charge of a pilot math program for middle school students in Dallas. The that Stroup and two other researchers have compiled studies on the TAKS standardized test, which they say demonstrates an error related to the statistical method used to assemble the tests 鈥� suggesting that the tests are essentially useless at measuring effective classroom instruction.
Education company has a $468 million contract to write the state鈥檚 standardized tests through 2015. It is also responsible for .
The alleged problem seems to be more with the strategies of testing companies in general than with Pearson in particular. Stroup鈥檚 research show that 鈥�,鈥� a system used to create standardized tests, focuses more on how it ranks students and less on what they learned.
Gloria Zyzkowski handles assessments at the . She told the Tribune in a statement that Stroup鈥檚 research has 鈥渇undamental misunderstandings鈥� and that they need more time to look at the information presented.
Regardless, high-stakes testing remains a contentious topic. D-Houston, told the Tribune that basing more accountability 鈥渙n the kid鈥檚 history than the specifics of what happened in the classroom that year may make us feel good but it doesn鈥檛 give us any true information.鈥�
Stroup presented his findings to the in June. He is now preparing to give his studies to multiple research journals.
