The Best of Our Knowledge # 1005

Albany, NY – "PUT TO THE TEST: HOW STANDARDIZED TESTING IS CHANGING EDUCATION", A MULTI-PART DOCUMENTARY SERIES -

Both houses of Congress are set to resume consideration of renewing the No Child Left Behind law. And so we are continuing our series exploring the impact of NCLB. This documentary, "Put to the Test: How Standardized Testing Is Changing Education", originates from Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.

This week, we follow two struggling 9th graders, Jessica and RJ. With the new school year well underway, Western HS is under intense pressure to raise test scores. The school has put RJ, Jessica and 83 other freshmen into special classes designed to bring them up to speed, and fast.

Emily Hanford reports. (7:35)

RACE TO THE TOP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
ROUND ONE COMPETITION IS HOTLY CONTESTED
Part Two: Winners & Losers, Charter Schools,
Key Measures for Schools to Qualify -

States are scrambling to try and secure their piece of the 4.3 Billion dollar pie
known as the Race to the Top fund.

Last week we told you how some states, like Wisconsin, even passed new
education reform legislation to try and qualify for the money. States who do not
allow the linkage of student test scores to teacher and principal evaluations, are
pretty much eliminated from the competition. You can still hear that Show # 1004
at this hyperlink: http://www.wamc.org/prog-tbook.html

This week we wrap up our conversation with Secretary of Education, Arne
Duncan, as he talks with us about winners and losers, and the importance of
charter schools for a successful application bid for the federal aid. And President Barack Obama clarifies his key measures for schools to qualify.

Glenn Busby reports. (11:11)