The project is based on the idea that African-American men can become not only role models for their students but advocates for them as well. Unfortunately, the impact is usually negative. Consider the messages that standardized testing communicates to children about the nature of learning. In schools around the country, the content and style of teaching are being placed in the service of the tests. Teachers often feel obliged to set aside other subjects for weeks at a time in order to teach test-taking skills.
Teachers are less likely to work together in teams.
Excitement about learning pulls in one direction, covering the material that will be on the test pulls in the other. The first thing to go in a school or district where these tests matter a lot is a more vibrant, integrated, active, effective kind of instruction. The key to making smart decisions lies in comprehensive planning. Start by thinking of school district buildings as one side of a triangle. The other sides are educational programs and student demographics.