This is a sage analysis of important but neglected elements of standards-based reform, organized under six headings. “Alignment,” the challenge of setting passing-scores (“cut-scores”), accountability issues, “teaching and the test,” how to use assessment to inform instruction as well as to report on performance, and the need to pay greater (and more sophisticated) attention to high-school completion rates as a key barometer of success. Author Paul Barton is perceptive, wise, and straightforward. His analysis will richly repay the attention of anyone who wants standards-based reform to succeed.

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