The Data Quality Campaign on Public's Attitude Toward Testing in PDK/Gallup Poll

The way forward is to provide teachers and parents more value from tests

Washington, D.C —Released today, the 47th Annual PDK/Gallup Poll shows that most Americans believe there’s too much emphasis on standardized testing in public schools. Following is the statement of Paige Kowalski, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Data Quality Campaign, a national nonprofit that advocates for the safe, effective use of education data to improve student achievement:

“Within one week, we have seen two major polls with different conclusions about the public’s opinion toward testing. Regardless of their contradictory findings, it’s clear we need to have a conversation about how the information from tests is used.

“The backlash against student testing came about because teachers and families have traditionally gotten little value from it. Evidence suggests this is changing, but tests need to give parents more than a number that lacks context or meaning.

“Effective testing produces information that’s useful in classrooms and at kitchen tables, information that helps parents answer questions about their children’s education like, ‘Is my child on track to graduate college and career ready?’ and ‘How does my child’s school compare to other schools, so that I can make the best choice about my child’s education?’

“Of course, tests are just one piece of the data puzzle, and the PDK/Gallup Poll shows that the public agrees. To help create a full picture of their child’s learning, parents also need data beyond test scores, like examples of student work and written observations by the teacher.

“Good testing also provides information that educators can use to adjust their instruction and administrators to adjust curricula and the use of time, training, and talent to improve student achievement. Failing to ensure this key information is in the hands of educators and families means we’re not seeing the real value of testing.”

The Data Quality Campaign is a national, nonprofit organization leading the effort to bring every part of the education community together to empower educators, parents, and policymakers with quality information to make decisions that ensure students achieve their best. For more information, go towww.dataqualitycampaign.org and follow us on Twitter @EdDataCampaign.

Featured

  • Tufts University Breaks Ground on Two New Residence Halls

    Tufts University in Medford, Mass., recently broke ground on two new residence halls with a total capacity of 664 beds, according to local news. The project’s ultimate goal is to expand on-campus housing and reduce pressure on the local housing market.

  • ECM Technologies Wins ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ Award

    HVAC preventative maintenance and efficiency solutions provider ECM Technologies was recently named the “Most Innovative Business of the Year” at the 2025 Champions of Change Awards, according to a news release. The program recognizes Arizona business leaders and organizations taking steps to make a positive impact on the state through innovative thinking and philanthropy.

  • Delta State University Completes Renovations to School of Nursing Facilities

    Delta State University recently completed a major expansion and renovation project for the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing facilities on its campus in Cleveland, Miss., according to a news release. The project includes about 14,000 square feet of new construction and more than 21,000 square feet of renovation work to the existing space.

  • California Boarding School Opens New Inquiry Collaborative Facility

    Cate School, a boarding school in Carpinteria, Calif., for students grades 9–12, recently announced that it has finished renovating a historic dining hall into a new academic hub, according to a news release. The school partnered with Blackbird Architects and Tangram Interiors on the two-story, 16,000-square-foot Inquiry Collaborative.

Digital Edition