Handout
ProCon

Standardized Tests

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Does the use of standardized testing improve American education? Scholars dive into the issue as they prepare to discuss the debate topic with their classmates. After reviewing the pros and cons, they watch videos to help them arrive at...
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Other

Project Appleseed: What Should Parents Know About Standardized Testing?

For Students 9th - 10th
What are standardized tests? How and why do schools use them? These are common concerns for parents who want to help their child prepare for testing. Learn more about standardized tests on this site and how you can help your child succeed.
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Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology

Ciese Collaborative Projects: The Global Water Sampling Project

For Students 9th - 10th
By testing your local water quality, you will be able to compare your results with students around the world. Register your class, and follow the project instructions. Additional teacher resources, references, and Ask-an-Expert sources...
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Scholastic

Scholastic: Family Matters: Standardized Tests

For Students 9th - 10th
The expectations of standardized tests can often be confusing and intimidating. Information on these issues can be found in this article. A list of test taking tips from teachers is provided here as well.
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University of Iowa

University of Iowa: Iowa Tests of Basic Skills

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site explains the sections of the Iowa testing program. If you have an interest in learning more than just the basics, the menu on the left offers a more in depth look of the test's features.
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Other

Illinois State Assessments

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Definitions and descriptions of the various testing programs in the state of Illinois are provided, along with results and sample test items.
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Other

The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The Alabama Department of Education & Early Development, among other topics, provides the latest in education news, information about teaching school in Alaska, student testing and the graduation exam, educational standards, and much...
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NPR: National Public Radio

Npr: The College Admissions Game

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is a seven-part NPR report that explores topics such as standardized testing, paying for college, early admision, black colleges and community colleges. Available in print and audio.
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Other

California Department of Education: Academic Performance Index

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The Academic Performance Index (API)site provides data and analysis for results of the "Stanford 9 norm-referenced assessment that is administered in conjunction with the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program." Reports are...
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Edutopia

Edutopia: Urban Academy: Where Testing Is Anything but Standard

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Project-based assessments that give an indication of students' skills and competencies are a central part of this profiled school.
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NASA

Nasa: Getting Dirty on Mars

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This educator's guide provides students with the opportunity to simulate collecting, testing, and examining soil samples from Mars. Includes background information, lesson plans, and content standards.
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Other

Washington: Assessment and Research

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This state site is the gateway to information on Washington's state academic standards and to results on various state assessments (the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, and Iowa Tests of Educational...
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Simon Fraser University

Chem1 Virtual Textbook: What Is Pseudoscience?

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Pseudoscience studies various fields of science that make claims to be legitimate, but researchers and academics argue that pseudoscientific discoveries do not hold up to typical standards of testing and proof. Examples are the Lunar...