Should we 'sort' teachers?

The debate rages on about whether or not to rate teachers based on their students' performance. This letter to the editor criticizes the use of state exams, like the FCAT, as tools to measure outcomes.

The PSAT is the start of testing and college planning

For many students in South Florida the PSAT is their first exposure to standardized testing and the process of planning for a competitive college admissions environment.

"The idea behind the PSAT is fourfold. One, the student gets an opportunity to practice taking the SAT when the stakes are low. No colleges will ever see the PSAT scores. Two, the score report the student receives after taking the exam can serve as a study guide for the actual SAT exam. Three, the scores the student receives can be used as a benchmark for future performance as a way to assess the viability of prospective colleges. And four, the PSAT is co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to be used as a qualifier for its honors and scholarships (for juniors only)." (read full article here)

Is test prep worth your hard earned dollars?

In this difficult economic time, parents in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and all over Florida have to ask themselves this question - 'Is the cost of test preparation services worth it?' The short answer is yes. A rise of just a few points can make or break your admissions chances.

This article tells you what to look for in a test prep company.

Variability in standardized test preparation proctoring

This NY Times article looks at the proctors who actually administer standardized tests for ETS. If you or your student cannot remember what the proctor did during a test, then you know you probably had a good one. If you can remember that they were on their cell phone the whole time, then you probably had a poor one.

Lawmakers: GI Bill should cover test prep

Veterans may soon be eligible to have test preparation paid for by the GI Bill. This has been proposed by Florida lawmakers and could be very good news for veterans in Miami as well as all over South Florida.

Full article here.

Bringing experience in line with vocubulary

City children, both in Miami and beyond, often have tests that use common language referring to experiences outside the scope of their day to day activities. This article in the Times looks at a program in NY that takes some of these kids beyond the city to help them put farm terminology in context, later improving their test scores.

A Moo-Moo Here, and Better Test Scores Later

ETS Shaves a Week Off the PraxisTM Score Reporting Time

PRINCETON, NJ--(Marketwire - October 8, 2009) - Test takers and universities waiting for Praxis™ test results from the July 13 administration were pleased to receive their scores for Praxis paper-based, multiple-choice tests much faster than they might have expected. The Praxis program has reduced the time taken to report Praxis scores from 22 business days to 17 business days. (read full release here)