Raising the Scores, Ruining the Schools

##### October 1, 2026 * * * # Raising the Scores, Ruining the Schools More than a quarter-century after “No Child Left Behind” deliberately left millions of children behind by imposing nationwide punitive high-stakes testing, U.S. students are still tested constantly, starting early in elementary school. Children in many states may be forced to repeat a grade based solely on their scores. In a memorable conversation, FAIRTEST director Harry Feder helps us understand just how pervasive testing has become and why that’s very bad news. Standardized exams have largely become, in his words, “tests of test-taking skills” rather than of academic proficiency. Moreover, NCLB and its legacy of constant testing (and test-oriented instruction) has a disproportionately damaging impact on low-income and minority students. Feder explains that authentic, performance-based assessments are not just realistic alternatives to standardized tests but produce far more meaningful results while avoiding the deadening effects of a test-prep curriculum. In short, people who who claim that standardized testing is necessary or useful are those who know the least about assessment and learning. RESOURCES: – Fairtest.org – https://www.performanceassessment.org/ – Alfie Kohn, *The Case Against Standardized Testing* (Heinemann, 2000) – https://tinyurl.com/4akzwzf8 – Sixteen essential books about testing: https://tinyurl.com/2n44b5ux – Stephen G. Sireci, “Standardization and UNDERSTANDardization in Educational Assessment,” *Educational Measurement* 39 (2020) – https://tinyurl.com/3afbv5p5 ***A note from Alfie Kohn**:* I made two decisions when I decided to start this podcast. The first was not to accept ads. The second was to avoid putting certain episodes behind a paywall (or offering special content only to those who pay). But this means that I depend on the generosity of everyone who listens to help cover the production costs. So: Can you afford a modest contribution — ideally on a regular basis, since a podcast, after all, is not a one-shot event? If so, I’d be grateful if you’d support the project with whatever amount seems fair to you. (Your generosity will also confirm the thesis of my book *The Brighter Side of Human Nature*.) Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please tell other people about it! And if you have feedback about an episode you’ve just listened to, send it to https://www.alfiekohn.org/contact-us/. * * * Please click the button below to donate. If you don’t see a button, please go to this page (https://coff.ee/kohnszone). [Donate](https://coff.ee/kohnszone "https://coff.ee /kohnszone") * * * PRODUCTION SUPPORT: Ultraviolet Audio ART: Abi Kohn