Voluntary National Testing Then Supported by a still-popular 2nd term President (Clinton). Debated as part of the annual approps process (FY97-98). Supported by a popular EdSec (Riley). Proposed right after a big Democratic win (’96). Supported by business (Biz Roundtable & US Chamber). Supported by several states & districts (7 or so, as I recall). Voluntary National Standards Now Supported by a long-shot Presidential candidate (Dodd). Proposed as part of reauthorization of an unpopular law (NCLB). Proposed by a group not in favor with their own party (Fordham). Opposed by an unpopular EdSec (Spellings). Proposed right after a big Republican loss (’06). Supported by the NEA & Others (to scuttle NCLB). Not supported by any states or districts. |
For those of you who may not have been there, here are some helpful EdWeek archives from that period:
01/28/98 National Panel Delays Clinton’s Proposed Voluntary Tests
02/19/97 Focus on Basics Key to Clinton Call for Testing
03/12/97 State Officials Seek Flexibility, Regulatory Relief
03/12/97 Clinton Teacher Board Proposal Marks Milestone
02/19/97 Political Shift Emboldens Clinton To Urge Tests
09/24/97 Education Liberty Bonds
09/30/98 Panel Assails Assessment Calculations
11/19/97 Test Proposal To Be Tested by Experts
05/07/97 The Splintered Curriculum
05/28/97 Clinton Hopes Test Proposal Would Be Only the Beginning
04/09/97 Stumping for Standards
02/11/98 Waging a War on Incivility
10/22/97 National Tests, Title I at Odds on Language
06/17/98 Panel Finds No Tests Comparable to Ones Clinton Espouses
06/25/97 Local Control Could Stymie Clinton Tests