Resources that explain problems inherent in standardized testing, that celebrate public schools, and that decry censorship. (And one link to the Save the Manatee Club) 

FairTest or The National Center for Fair & Open Testing works to end the misuses and flaws of standardized testing and to ensure that evaluation of students, teachers and schools is fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial.

“A Modest Proposal”   An essay on standardized testing by Newberry-award-winning author, Kelly Barnhill.

My Third grader Thought She Had Failed State Standardized Test    An essay by Darlena Cunha, mother of twins and owner of parenttwin blog. 

ACLU The American Civil Liberties Union works to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees to protect the rights of all Americans

“Suspected Flaw in State Tests”  An analysis of Dr. Walter Stroup’s research into standardized testing.

A Principal Apologizes.  Rocky River Middle School Principal David Root writes an open letter, apologizing to his students, staff, and community for over-emphasizing standardized testing, instead of encouraging real thinking and learning.

More on Dr. Walter Stroup.  When Dr. Stroup showed a Texas congressional committee the flaws in Texas’ standardized testing regime,  Pearson Education, the richest and most powerful testing company in America struck back.

Settling for Scores.  Why students and schools are still judged by the results of standardized test scores.  from The New Republic.

Opting Out of High-stakes Standardized Testing.  Diane Ravitch, former Assistant Secretary of Education and former standardized testing proponent, explains why parents should opt their kids out of taking standardized tests.

Citizens for Public Schools Based in Massachusetts, the mission of CPS is “to promote, preserve and protect public schools and public education. All children regardless of race, color, creed, nationality, gender, disability, class or economic status should have equal educational opportunity”. 

Network for Public Education Our mission: To preserve, promote, improve and strengthen public schools for both current and future generations of students.

NEA National Education Association includes more than 3 million people—educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.

AFT American Federation of Teachers–A union representing teachers, school personnel; local, state and federal employees; higher education faculty and staff; and nurses and health care professionals

College Test Fraud/Admissions Scandal.   How money and influence have corrupted college testing and admissions.

A Tribute to Ken Mcrorie, master teacher, mentor, and author of the I-Search

The Committe for the First Amendment Initially created during the McCarthy Era, a dark time when the federal government repressed and persecuted American citizens for their political beliefs. Those forces have unfortunately returned. And it is our turn to stand together in defense of our constitutional rights.

Save the Manatee Club, a site dedicated to preserving Manatee habitat, including a message from singer/song writer Jimmy Buffett, a co-founder of the club.