Those familiar with education trends are discouragingly familiar with portfolio-based assessment. Such assessments are, however, perfectly designed for a system in which there is no fixed or objective educational standard. Standardized tests are too simple and simple-minded for high stakes assessment of children and schools. Some schools have even managed to set more ethereal standards still. The Park Ridge, Ill. school board earned praise from New York Times education writer Richard Rothstein because they now teach sixth graders lessons in anger management and patience.
Some folks go further still.
Thankfully, President Bush recently suggested a willingness to take a second look at his standardized-test plan. Conservatives can only hope he takes a third look and a fourth if need be. There is simply no workable way for the federal government to mandate any sort of true test of student knowledge. Any government-required test will soon be demolished by those who believe all knowledge is relative and that speaking English is unnecessary. Such tests will show no child has been left behind, even if high-school graduates must vote by pointing to a picture.