High-Stakes Testing’s Unintended Consequences

January 26, 2011 by

Northeastern University Professor Louis Kruger continues to screen his MCAS documentary, “Children Left Behind,” and speak to community groups about the film’s message. A recent article in the Sharon Patch featured an interview with Kruger, a member of the CPS board of directors:

Kruger says high-stakes tests such as the MCAS have “unintended consequences” for the students who fail them.

“The research indicates that high stakes tests do not accomplish their principal aim of improving the academic skills of students, and in addition the tests have serious side effects on our most vulnerable students,” Kruger says.

“If high stakes tests, such as the MCAS, were pharmaceuticals, the FDA would ban their use.”

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Filed Under: Achievement Gap, Education, Film

CPS on the Move in Massachusetts

June 15, 2010 by

CPS Board Members Louis Kruger and Ann O’Halloran were invited to Bristol Community College in Fall River to speak to a group of teachers about the MCAS and show Lou’s film. Herald News Reporter Will Richmond covered the meeting.

Northeastern professor blasts MCAS system


 
Dave Souza|Herald News

Louis Kruger, a psychology professor at Northeastern University, recently spoke against MCAS exams during a talk entitled “Children Left Behind” at Bristol Community College.

By Will Richmond
Herald News Staff Reporter

From left, retired teacher John Cummings, Ann O'Halloran, Lou Kruger, Rep. David Sullivan.

As the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam continues to grow, so does support for removing the tests as a graduation requirement.

With a group made up primarily of current and retired teachers in attendance, Louis Kruger, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, recently spoke about how the MCAS exam is impacting students during a presentation titled “Children Left Behind” at Bristol Community College.   → Read More

Filed Under: Education, Film

CPS ‘Educating the Whole Student’ Conference Informed, Inspired

October 19, 2009 by
Panelists (from left) Willie Rodriguez, Carl Sciortino, Barbara Fields and Jay Kaufman.

Panelists (from left) Willie Rodriguez, Carl Sciortino, Barbara Fields and Jay Kaufman.

Parents, teachers, administrators, policymakers, legislators, researchers and others filled a large conference room at Bunker Hill Community College Saturday and were treated to a rich presentation on “Educating the Whole Student.” A dynamic group of speakers and participants informed, inspired and challenged us to do the work needed to bring about the change we need. We may have miles to go to reach our goals and vision, but we have a large and growing community of thoughtful, dedicated and energetic allies ready to make the journey.

Keynote speaker Deborah Meier set the tone by urging us to be feisty and flex our democratic muscles to remake schools so that all children can bring their innate drive and curiosity and trust that it won’t be crushed. We need to fight for schools that model and nurture the skills needed for a vibrant democratic society, not schools that train children to choose a predetermined right answer.   → Read More

Filed Under: Conference, Education, Film

Children Left Behind screening a success

October 2, 2009 by
An overflow crowd filled a Coolidge Corner theater to see Prof. Louis Kruger's film, "Children Left Behind."

CPS members and friends filled a Coolidge Corner theater to watch Louis Kruger's moving film, Children Left Behind.

Thanks to everyone who came to see Louis Kruger’s film at the Coolidge Corner Theatre Sept. 30. Let’s keep all that energy going and bring it to the conference October 17!   → Read More

Filed Under: Education, Film Tagged With:

Children Left Behind – Film and Discussion | Sept. 30, 2009

September 30, 2009 by

Children Left Behind – Film and Discussion

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7:30pm
Location: Coolidge Corner Theatre
290 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Cost: The Event is free and open to the public. There is a suggested $25 donation to Citizens for Public Schools. Please press the Donate Now button you see below:

Please join us for a community screening and discussion of Children Left Behind, Dr. Louis Kruger’s documentary about the failings of MCAS. Dr. Kruger will join us to introduce the film and lead the discussion afterward. For more information on the film, go to www.childrenleftbehind.com.


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Filed Under: Education, Film Tagged With: ,