Defying Standardization 2017 Edition

Anyone interested in standardized testing and wants to learn about the research behind the arguments against it, BUY THIS BOOK!

Excellent read about our educational system

Defying standardization is a timely and important book. Dr. Tienken's ability to merge research and practice is remarkable and anyone who leads in any educational organization should take note of the lessons learned in this book. Whereas most educational volumes lend opinion or theory, Defying standards provides a research based dissection for how to empower educators at any level to customize learning which meets the needs of every learner in every classroom. In the 21st century, policy, law and those educators who choose to paint their organizations by number have established organizational systems to embody and embrace a set of universal curriculum and assessments aimed at a one-size-fits all approach to teaching and learning. However, no person who has ever taught students would suggest that every child is the same. Defying standardization is a unique opportunity to learn why standardization is not best based on EVIDENCE and how to customize learning in the 21st century. This is a must read for anyone in education.

As an Educator I found this critique of standardization compelling. The first part of the book provides a powerful critique of international testing and the rhetoric used to drive the false narrative that US students are lagging behind. It provides clarity on the underlying theories and philosophies of standardization that helped to explain why standardized education won't work. I also found the evidence-based ideas on how to build a creative curriculum helpful. Defying Standardization weaves theory into practice by providing concrete applications of evidence-based ideas. The book depicts how to develop curricula that reaches all learners and promotes student growth. The student centered ideas and strategies provide educational leaders tremendous insight on how to promote big picture understanding and complex thinking without standardizing the learning. This is an essential resource that left me feeling inspired to unstandardize and build a creative curriculum.