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fairtest.bsky.social

@fairtest.bsky.social
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Eric Hoover presents Jesse Rothstein's FAQ regarding calls to bring back the SAT at UC. Sorry Prof. Stankova but the idea that kids at poorer testing schools have a better chance of getting into Berkeley and UCLA is wrong. But I guess you teach Calculus not Prob/Stat. ow.ly/8nqO50ZMK9m
ow.ly
A Researcher Adds What’s Been Missing From the UC Testing Debate: Nuance
A new brief by a prominent scholar argues that some criticisms of the University of California’s test-free policy are predicated on assertions that simply aren’t true.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Berkeley Econ Prof Jesse Rothstein provides REAL DATA confirming the campaign to bring back the SAT to UCs is a PR hoax. NO EVIDENCE that the SAT will fix any preparedness issues or that test free policies have been harmful to the capability of admitted students. ow.ly/hCrS50ZLHtq
Iconic exterior of Royce Hall at UCLA, a landmark in Los Angeles, California.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Berkeley Econ Prof Jesse Rothstein provides REAL DATA confirming the campaign to bring back the SAT to UCs is a PR hoax. NO EVIDENCE that the SAT will fix any preparedness issues or that test free policies have been harmful to the capability of admitted students. ow.ly/hCrS50ZLHtq
Iconic exterior of Royce Hall at UCLA, a landmark in Los Angeles, California.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Forbes article captures the true admissions testing landscape: 90% not required. Let's not convince kids and their families that they must ace the SAT/ACT for a rich empowering college experience. There is a world beyond Dartmouth. And the College Board. ow.ly/n7wn50ZH3Lm #CollegeAdmissions
ow.ly
Despite Recent Headlines, Most Colleges Remain Test-Optional For Admissions
Despite headlines about more colleges resuming standardized testing requirements, most institutions will remain test-optional or test-free for the next admission cycle.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Forbes article captures the true admissions testing landscape: 90% not required. Let's not convince kids and their families that they must ace the SAT/ACT for a rich empowering college experience. There is a world beyond Dartmouth. And the College Board. ow.ly/n7wn50ZH3Lm #CollegeAdmissions
ow.ly
Despite Recent Headlines, Most Colleges Remain Test-Optional For Admissions
Despite headlines about more colleges resuming standardized testing requirements, most institutions will remain test-optional or test-free for the next admission cycle.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Forbes article captures the true admissions testing landscape: 90% not required. Let's not convince kids and their families that they must ace the SAT/ACT for a rich empowering college experience. There is a world beyond Dartmouth. And the College Board. ow.ly/VPgK50ZH3JZ
ow.ly
Despite Recent Headlines, Most Colleges Remain Test-Optional For Admissions
Despite headlines about more colleges resuming standardized testing requirements, most institutions will remain test-optional or test-free for the next admission cycle.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
www.insidehighered.com/news/admissi...
insidehighered.com
90% of Colleges Don’t Require Test Scores for 2026–27
New data from FairTest shows that standardized tests are a condition of admission at just a few colleges, and even among the highest-ranked universities, the majority remain test optional for this aca...
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
90% of colleges remain test optional /free for Fall 2027 Admissions. Our release below explains. Go to our site for the data and list of colleges with updated search categories. The testing is back narrative is a narrow Ivy Plus story, not a national one. #CollegeAdmissions ow.ly/YJHM50ZFT0i
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
90% of colleges remain test optional /free for Fall 2027 Admissions. Our release below explains. Go to our site for the data and list of colleges with updated search categories. The testing is back narrative is a narrow Ivy Plus story, not a national one. #CollegeAdmissions ow.ly/YJHM50ZFT0i
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The SAT/ACT have nothing to do with math preparedness soon UC campuses. GPA, retention and grad rates steady since UC went test free. Believe the data not the "vibes" of a loud sliver of faculty. Support don't just sort based on race and income. #TestFree #UCSchools#SAT#ACT ow.ly/AP8u50ZAFNY
ow.ly
Is UC really admitting students who aren't ready for college math? What data shows
Thousands of University of California professors say students are less prepared and that the UC system should reintroduce SAT and ACT testing as part of admissions.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The SAT/ACT have nothing to do with math preparedness soon UC campuses. GPA, retention and grad rates steady since UC went test free. Believe the data not the "vibes" of a loud sliver of faculty. Support don't just sort based on race and income. #TestFree #UCSchools#SAT#ACT ow.ly/AP8u50ZAFNY
ow.ly
Is UC really admitting students who aren't ready for college math? What data shows
Thousands of University of California professors say students are less prepared and that the UC system should reintroduce SAT and ACT testing as part of admissions.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Let's not assume the trend is to requiring admissions tests for college again. Over 90% of schools still test optional or free: a rational, effective and just policy, esp. for publics. A thorough Higher Ed Dive article. #TestOptional #CollegeAdmissions #PublicUniversities ow.ly/uH3N50Zy9l6
Close-up of a student writing answers on a test sheet with a pencil and smartwatch.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Let's not assume the trend is to requiring admissions tests for college again. Over 90% of schools still test optional or free: a rational, effective and just policy, esp. for publics. A thorough Higher Ed Dive article. #TestOptional #CollegeAdmissions #PublicUniversities ow.ly/uH3N50Zy9l6
Close-up of a student writing answers on a test sheet with a pencil and smartwatch.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
ow.ly/7OuF50ZnUJM "Reinstatement of SAT/ACT at the UC would simply reinforce the deep inequality that exists in our educational system." UCLA CRP head decries abandonment of commitment to fairness if UC reinstates testing. #SATACTDebate#UCAdmissions
ow.ly
Why the University of California Should Not Reinstate the SAT/ACT for Admissions
A commentary by CRP Co-director Patricia Gándara argues why the UC should not reinstate the SAT/ACT for admissions.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
ow.ly/7OuF50ZnUJM "Reinstatement of SAT/ACT at the UC would simply reinforce the deep inequality that exists in our educational system." UCLA CRP head decries abandonment of commitment to fairness if UC reinstates testing. #SATACTDebate#UCAdmissions
ow.ly
Why the University of California Should Not Reinstate the SAT/ACT for Admissions
A commentary by CRP Co-director Patricia Gándara argues why the UC should not reinstate the SAT/ACT for admissions.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The NYTimes urges the UC system to bring back admissions testing. Won't fix math preparation in K-12 or problems caused by COVID, screens, absenteeism and AI. Will undermine the public function of UC and its societal mission. FairTest takes on the Times. ow.ly/7ZwU50ZlQzM #UCAdmissions
Iconic Sather Tower, also known as Campanile, standing tall at UC Berkeley.Iconic exterior of Royce Hall at UCLA, a landmark in Los Angeles, California.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The NYTimes urges the UC system to bring back admissions testing. Won't fix math preparation in K-12 or problems caused by COVID, screens, absenteeism and AI. Will undermine the public function of UC and its societal mission. FairTest takes on the Times. ow.ly/7ZwU50ZlQzM #UCAdmissions
Iconic Sather Tower, also known as Campanile, standing tall at UC Berkeley.Iconic exterior of Royce Hall at UCLA, a landmark in Los Angeles, California.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
A great look at SAT, its history, the problems of using it as a gatekeeper for college admissions, and what the future may hold. Several steps above the usual media pablum. Not a "test prep professional" in sight. #SAT #StandardizedTesting #CollegeAdmissions ow.ly/FGHs50Zghw9
ow.ly
100 Years Ago, Students Across the U.S. Took the First SAT. Today, Relatively Few Colleges Require the Test. Where Is It Headed?
The standardized exam has evolved over the past century, all in the name of testing for college readiness. Now, it has become a symbol of the American higher education system
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A great look at SAT, its history, the problems of using it as a gatekeeper for college admissions, and what the future may hold. Several steps above the usual media pablum. Not a "test prep professional" in sight. #SAT #StandardizedTesting #CollegeAdmissions ow.ly/FGHs50Zghw9
ow.ly
100 Years Ago, Students Across the U.S. Took the First SAT. Today, Relatively Few Colleges Require the Test. Where Is It Headed?
The standardized exam has evolved over the past century, all in the name of testing for college readiness. Now, it has become a symbol of the American higher education system
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A great look at SAT, its history, the problems of using it as a gatekeeper for college admissions, and what the future may hold. Several steps above the usual media pablum. Not a "test prep professional" in sight. #SAT #StandardizedTesting #CollegeAdmissions ow.ly/FGHs50Zghw9
ow.ly
100 Years Ago, Students Across the U.S. Took the First SAT. Today, Relatively Few Colleges Require the Test. Where Is It Headed?
The standardized exam has evolved over the past century, all in the name of testing for college readiness. Now, it has become a symbol of the American higher education system
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Former Policy Director for EdTrust injects a dose of sanity to ed policy debate. The last thing we need is return to NCLB. Kids are disengaged; more beatings not the answer. Invest in real education and systems local communities will trust. Constant testing doesn't work. ow.ly/NKCQ50Zf8qG
ow.ly
Opinion | The ‘No Child Left Behind’ Nostalgia Is Delusional
Test scores are poor measures of an education.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Former Policy Director for EdTrust injects a dose of sanity to ed policy debate. The last thing we need is return to NCLB. Kids are disengaged; more beatings not the answer. Invest in real education and systems local communities will trust. Constant testing doesn't work. ow.ly/NKCQ50Zf8qG
ow.ly
Opinion | The ‘No Child Left Behind’ Nostalgia Is Delusional
Test scores are poor measures of an education.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Former Policy Director for EdTrust injects a dose of sanity to ed policy debate. The last thing we need is return to NCLB. Kids are disengaged; more beatings not the answer. Invest in real education and systems local communities will trust. Constant testing doesn't work. ow.ly/NKCQ50Zf8qG
ow.ly
Opinion | The ‘No Child Left Behind’ Nostalgia Is Delusional
Test scores are poor measures of an education.
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Reposted by @fairtest.bsky.social
Jon Boeckenstedt @jonboeckenstedt.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
You can, of course, believe that the SAT is not a racist test. But you have to admit an awful lot of people campaigning to bring the test back have a lot of racist bones in their bodies, notwithstanding their proclamations to the contrary.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Really? We are being falsely set up for or NCLB's return by the usual suspects. You would think we stopped having consequences for schools' test results in 2013. It's the iPhone/Chromebook stupid. It's not only the US. Just feeds the voucher narrative. #SchoolTesting ow.ly/KaOQ50Z17Tp
ow.ly
Achievement dip coincided with high-stakes testing ‘breakdown,’ study finds
The pandemic was the "the mudslide” in a decline that began in 2013, one researcher said. Another attributed the decline to technology.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Really? We are being falsely set up for or NCLB's return by the usual suspects. You would think we stopped having consequences for schools' test results in 2013. It's the iPhone/Chromebook stupid. It's not only the US. Just feeds the voucher narrative. #SchoolTesting ow.ly/KaOQ50Z17Tp
ow.ly
Achievement dip coincided with high-stakes testing ‘breakdown,’ study finds
The pandemic was the "the mudslide” in a decline that began in 2013, one researcher said. Another attributed the decline to technology.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
What A.I. Did to My College Class www.nytimes.com/2026/05/17/o... The moral vacuum of the technology obsessed laid bare.
nytimes.com
Opinion | What A.I. Did to My College Class
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
NPR piece on state of test optional including FairTest comments. Fails to even mention the main issue--the impact of testing on the wealth, privilege and racial composition of admissions. Seems like NPR engaged in a stroke of self-censorship. ow.ly/lOjG50YV314 #TestOptional#CollegeAdmissions
ow.ly
More college applicants are opting to include SAT or ACT scores in their submissions
This application cycle, way more students reported test scores, up 10% compared with last year. That's despite many colleges having "test-optional" admissions policies.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
NPR piece on state of test optional including FairTest comments. Fails to even mention the main issue--the impact of testing on the wealth, privilege and racial composition of admissions. Seems like NPR engaged in a stroke of self-censorship. ow.ly/lOjG50YV314 #TestOptional#CollegeAdmissions
ow.ly
More college applicants are opting to include SAT or ACT scores in their submissions
This application cycle, way more students reported test scores, up 10% compared with last year. That's despite many colleges having "test-optional" admissions policies.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Kids in K-8 take up to 88 different tests, up to 222 hours. Tests not connected to curriculum and instruction; volume doesn't improve achievement. Need to redo accountability and assessment to change the systemic incentive structure. FairTest analysis and proposal: ow.ly/l7LV50YPw3J
ow.ly
New Study Shows How Out of Control and Ineffective K-8 Testing Has Become; Clear Need to Change Assessment and Accountability Paradigms - Fairtest
Education First documented the proliferation of excessive and harmful testing in American K-8 public schools in its report Rethinking the Test Pile: A National Study of K-8 Academic Assessments. Students take as many as 88 distinct state and district mandated assessments and sit for 222 hours of testing from grades K-8. This costs, on average,
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Reposted by @fairtest.bsky.social
Network for Public Education @network4pubed.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
@dianeravitch.bsky.social - ACT Scores Show No “Miracle” dianeravitch.net/202...
dianeravitch.net
ACT Scores Show No “Miracle”
I begin by saying for the zillionth time that I do not believe in miracles or panaceas in education. There is not one way of teaching that is just right for all students. Teachers know this. And ye…
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Kids in K-8 take up to 88 different tests, up to 222 hours. Tests not connected to curriculum and instruction; volume doesn't improve achievement. Need to redo accountability and assessment to change the systemic incentive structure. FairTest analysis and proposal: ow.ly/l7LV50YPw3J
ow.ly
New Study Shows How Out of Control and Ineffective K-8 Testing Has Become; Clear Need to Change Assessment and Accountability Paradigms - Fairtest
Education First documented the proliferation of excessive and harmful testing in American K-8 public schools in its report Rethinking the Test Pile: A National Study of K-8 Academic Assessments. Students take as many as 88 distinct state and district mandated assessments and sit for 222 hours of testing from grades K-8. This costs, on average,
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Kids in K-8 take up to 88 different tests, up to 222 hours. Tests not connected to curriculum and instruction; volume doesn't improve achievement. Need to redo accountability and assessment to change the systemic incentive structure. FairTest analysis and proposal: ow.ly/l7LV50YPw3J
ow.ly
New Study Shows How Out of Control and Ineffective K-8 Testing Has Become; Clear Need to Change Assessment and Accountability Paradigms - Fairtest
Education First documented the proliferation of excessive and harmful testing in American K-8 public schools in its report Rethinking the Test Pile: A National Study of K-8 Academic Assessments. Students take as many as 88 distinct state and district mandated assessments and sit for 222 hours of testing from grades K-8. This costs, on average,
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Large study of all of CUNY shows HS grades "dominant predictor" of academic success. 4-6xs more predictive of graduation than SAT. Test-optional (2020-24) = no significant diff in predictive accuracy vs. including test scores. Put that on front page of the NEW YORK Times. ow.ly/zA5C50YyKNW
ow.ly
Standardized Test Scores and Academic Performance at a Public University System
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, and business professionals.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Large study of all of CUNY shows HS grades "dominant predictor" of academic success. 4-6xs more predictive of graduation than SAT. Test-optional (2020-24) = no significant diff in predictive accuracy vs. including test scores. Put that on front page of the NEW YORK Times. ow.ly/9SLx50YyKwh
ow.ly
Standardized Test Scores and Academic Performance at a Public University System
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, and business professionals.
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Reposted by @fairtest.bsky.social
Nancy E. Bailey @nancyebailey.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Being retained in school is a failure that many students may never overcome. It’s time to end retention and focus on solutions that work, that lift children! nancyebailey.com/2026/03/21/g...
nancyebailey.com
Grade Retention: The Debate Had Its Day, Now End It! - Nancy Bailey's Education Website
The permanency of retention and the message it sends students may have long-term effects on self-esteem and school attachment that may override even short-term academic benefits (1995). ~Melissa Roder...
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Thanks EdFirst for showing how bonkers the K-8 testing obsession has become. K-8 kids take an average of 60 distinct commercial tests.Test accountability pressure is warping our schools. "Right-sizing" won't fix it. Systems need to change before we lose another generation. ow.ly/iEoZ50YwZfA
A close-up of an empty classroom desk with exam papers and a pencil, highlighting education and testing environment.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Thanks EdFirst for showing how bonkers the K-8 testing obsession has become. K-8 kids take an average of 60 distinct commercial tests.Test accountability pressure is warping our schools. "Right-sizing" won't fix it. Systems need to change before we lose another generation. ow.ly/iEoZ50YwZfA
A close-up of an empty classroom desk with exam papers and a pencil, highlighting education and testing environment.
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Reposted by @fairtest.bsky.social
Philip Gourevitch @pgourevitch.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
If Trump sells out US interests to Putin— is it Russia’s fault for compromising him or Trump’s for being weak and betraying US? Same goes for Israel/Netanyahu. All three men are abominations. Trump alone is to blame for the catastrophic harm he does the United States.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Why would parents trust grades more than standardized test scores? Wrong question. Why should they trust test scores? We assume the stupidity of parents and that score reports give us useful information. Akil Bello unpacks unfortunate media framing and more. #TestScores ow.ly/YA0H50YqxSL
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Why would parents trust grades more than test scores? Wrong question. Why would parents trust test scores? Let's interrogate whether test score reports give us meaningful information about kids rather than assume parents are ignorant. Read Akil Bello's take. #TestScores ow.ly/x3tP50YqxuA
ow.ly
Test Scores Tell You Who Your Child Beat, Not What Your Child Knows - Fairtest
Akil Bello takes issue with the assumptions, framing and research underlying the Hechinger Report article blaming parents for trusting report cards more than standardized test scores, "with consequences for kids". Why would parents trust test scores? And while there is an underlying assumption made that grades lie, there is no interrogation of the test score
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Let's not confuse Mississippi "miracle" with actual anti-poverty agenda. 4th grade test score rise not panacea. Early reading and math interventions are not a substitute for real investments in broad economic success. Economic opportunity and social mobility not that cheap. ow.ly/R4yz50YmyQN
ow.ly
Overselling the Mississippi Miracle
Southern poverty is a policy choice
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
From Just Equations, more context of UCSD math report ignored by media and testing hawkers. Remedial math enrollment spiked when UCSD went to no calculators on its placement exam, not when it opened its gates to more poor kids by going test free. ow.ly/hj3250YmzwT
justequations.org
Report: Remedial Enrollments Surged at UCSD Amid Shifting Placement Testing Conditions | Just Equations
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
New paper shows harm of third-grade retention policies. Texas policy significantly reduced earnings by age 26, increased absenteeism, violent behavior, and juvenile crime and reduces HS graduation rate. Oh, test scores temporarily improved. Whoopee! #ThirdGradeRetention ow.ly/KHHJ50Ymy4O
A young girl writing in a notebook, surrounded by test tubes, learning about science in a classroom.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
From Just Equations, more context of UCSD math report ignored by media and testing hawkers. Remedial math enrollment spiked when UCSD went to no calculators on its placement exam, not when it opened its gates to more poor kids by going test free. ow.ly/hj3250YmzwT
justequations.org
Report: Remedial Enrollments Surged at UCSD Amid Shifting Placement Testing Conditions | Just Equations
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Let's not confuse Mississippi "miracle" with actual anti-poverty agenda. 4th grade test score rise not panacea. Early reading and math interventions are not a substitute for real investments in broad economic success. Economic opportunity and social mobility not that cheap. ow.ly/R4yz50YmyQN
ow.ly
Overselling the Mississippi Miracle
Southern poverty is a policy choice
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
New paper shows harm of third-grade retention policies. Texas policy significantly reduced earnings by age 26, increased absenteeism, violent behavior, and juvenile crime and reduces HS graduation rate. Oh, test scores temporarily improved. Whoopee! #ThirdGradeRetention ow.ly/KHHJ50Ymy4O
A young girl writing in a notebook, surrounded by test tubes, learning about science in a classroom.
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
A must read. We try to give students of lesser means access to the process advantages of affluence. But the key metrics for college admission, both tests and other components, wildly advantage the affluent. Need deeper policy shifts to level the field. ow.ly/grH550Y50tM #CollegeAdmissions
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fairtest.bsky.social @fairtest.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Missouri joins the IADA program to pilot a new assessment system. Will it improve on the current model? What should stakeholders ask during design and implementation? Read the FairTest report. ow.ly/x09S50Y4Zx2 #Education #Assessment #EdPolicy #IADA #FairTest
ow.ly
Missouri IADA: Monitoring Implementation, Ensuring Educational Benefits - Fairtest
Missouri was granted flexibility to develop an innovative assessment system under the Innovative Assessment Demonstration Authority (IADA) program by the Trump Administration. The proposal pilots new assessments in Math and ELA in 4th and 5th grade with the goal of scaling systemwide to more useful assessments that are able to capture student competencies and allow
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