Standardized Exams

Exclusive Report: As Movement Grows, Microschools Aren’t So ‘Micro’ Anymore

The spread of private school choice programs are fueling growth, but public schools also see the model’s potential. Microschools are also less “micro” than they were last year, according to the latest analysis of the sector from the National Microschooling Center, shared exclusively with The 74. In 2024, the median number of students in a typical microschool was […]

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Here’s what alternative grading models could look like

Articles, News / Briana Mendez-Padilla

Education experts are examining alternative ways of grading that are more equitable and foster a better learning environment than the traditional letter grading, percentages and weighted assignments students and teachers are accustomed to. There are many concerns around post-pandemic learning loss and negative consequences the health crisis had on students’ social-emotional learning, but returning to

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In Most Microschools, Accountability Is to Parents – Not the Public

Articles, News, Resources, Resources for Parents / Linda Jacobson

Most leaders of unconventional schools use methods like observation, student presentations and projects to track progress, but more than half also use standardized tests or assessments built into online curriculum — like DreamBox and Zearn. Leaders of such programs say parents are their number one audience for the data. But with more states allowing families

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Excited girls using chemistry set together in elementary science classroom

Socioeconomic factors partially at play in racial achievement gaps

Articles, News / Kara Arundel

Social and economic characteristics can partially explain reading, math and science achievement gaps among racial and ethnic groups of elementary school students, according to a study released Wednesday by nonprofit think tank Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Between 34% and 64% of the achievement gap between Black and White students can be explained by socioeconomic factors

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Nearly 60% of grades don’t match student test scores

Articles, News / Kara Arundel

Grading practices in U.S. schools are antiquated and “out of step” with other contemporary K-12 efforts, according to a study published last month by the Equitable Grading Project, a nonprofit research organization that promotes equitable grading practices.

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Big Picture model part of alternative education push to improve Australia’s school system

Articles, News, Resources for Parents / Louise Miolin

In short: An alternative education model called Big Picture, which runs in many high schools across Australia, boasts a student-led curriculum and no exams. The stereotype that alternative education is only for “disruptive” students is not the case, educators in the system say. What’s next? A diverse range of learning styles and a reduced focus on

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