Tom Harkin: “What did this Rand study show? Let me read the first couple paragraphs: What Do Test Scores in Texas Tell Us? Do the…”

“What did this Rand study show? Let me read the first couple paragraphs: What Do Test Scores in Texas Tell Us? Do the scores on high-stakes, statewide tests accurately reflect student achievement? To answer this critical question, a team of RAND researchers examined the results on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS), the highest-profile state testing program and one that recorded extraordinary gains in math and reading scores. The team's report, an issue paper titled ``What Do Test Scores in Texas Tell Us?'', raises ``serious questions'' about the validity of those gains [in Texas]. It also cautions about the danger of making decisions to sanction or reward students, teachers and schools on the basis of test scores that may be inflated or misleading.”