Study shows that standardized testing favors the rich
Friday, March 26, 2010
By: Heather Benno
In brief
A new University of Florida study shows that children from wealthier families are more likely to do well on standardized tests.
The study tracked students in two Florida counties, analyzing where the children lived, their family income and their test performance. The more affluent the family, the better the children performed on standardized tests.
The study contradicts the logic of the current school reform policy in the United States, which punishes teachers for their students’ hardships. Schools are closing in poor, oppressed communities where funding is most needed.
According to UF professor Harry Daniels, “[t]he core philosophy of school reform today is that effective schools and quality teaching can correct all learning problems, including those of poor minority students who are most at risk, and if they fail it’s the educator’s fault.”
The struggle for education and the struggle for worker’s rights are one and the same: there can be no equality in education until every worker is entitled to a living wage.
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