Re getting parent feedback: This is not a purely analytic task and rigorous methods of gathering data cannot be implemented, no matter how much I wish they could be. CSD cannot force every parent or every teacher or every community member to respond to a survey. Not only do they not have the legal authority but a lack of anonymity would invalidate the responses. But one still tries to get the best data they can, both descriptive and quantitative information, as a better alternative to anecdotal evidence. The latter gives too much weight to those who happen to know and have the ability to speak up; it is also heavily filtered by the unconscious biases of the listener. I happen to think that on-line surveys are a cheap way to get useful, if imperfect, feedback from parents, teachers, or the community. I remember the poll on the calendar–the results were pretty clear. A majority of teachers preferred the “balanced” (current) calendar and a majority of parents did not. Those data have been used over an over again in discussing the issue.

Again, not being critical. Just curious about what seems like a disconnect in where you’re skeptical. Am I missing some nuance in the larger picture?

Which means our school system has a much tougher job of achieving at these levels.

Which means we’re better.

I have to say that the improving scores statewide, in the middle of a recession, declining funding for schools, more family stress, poverty, etc. makes me worry whether or not the CRCT is a consistent, stable measure. How do we know whether the CRCT tests were easier this year or not? Sorry for my cynicism but I have worked with professional testing panels and have healthy skepticism of anything but the most rigorous test-writing.