Accountability Frankenstein

Sherman Dorn

• 07 maart 2007
• 9781593116248

Samenvatting:

Accountability Frankenstein explores the contradictions in high-stakes testing and the political roots of test-based accountability. It challenges beliefs about testing, explains why we trust test scores over teachers, and offers a plan for smart, democratic accountability. Ideal for educators and parents.

To understand the current moment in school accountability, one must understand the larger contradictions in education politics. Accountability Frankenstein provides a broader perspective on the school accountability debate by exploring the contradictions inherent in high-stakes testing. Accountability Frankenstein explains the historical and social origins of test-based accountability: the political roots of accountability, why we trust test scores while we distrust teachers, the assumptions behind formulaic accountability systems, and the weaknesses with the current carrot-and-stick approach to motivating teachers.

Accountability Frankenstein answers the questions of educators and parents who want to understand the origins of accountability. This book challenges the beliefs of fierce advocates and opponents of highstakes testing. It provides a rescue plan for accountability after the failures of high-stakes testing, a plan to make accountability smart, democratic, and real.