EdCast A Brief History of Standardized Testing Posted April 8, 2015 By Matt Weber In writing her recent book, The Test, NPR's lead education blogger Anya Kamenetz wanted to trace high-stakes testing back to its roots in the hope of understanding where these tests come from, how they are made, and how they are really affecting teaching and learning in the United States. What she found was that testing is neither all good nor all bad, but that the practice, as it stands, is certainly flawed. In the age of No Child Left Behind and the Common Core, how can the system be improved?In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Kamenetz sits down to discuss high-stakes testing in American schools and the effects it has on children, teachers, and society.About the Harvard EdCast The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iTunes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field. EdCast An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles Usable Knowledge Testing, Crime, and Punishment As educators in Atlanta face jail time, an expert weighs in on where we’ve gone wrong with standardized tests. EdCast Student Testing, Accountability, and COVID Professor Andrew Ho on whether standardized testing is the best way to assess student learning — and learning loss — during COVID times. Usable Knowledge The Problems and Promise of Common Core In a video roundtable, HGSE experts explore the challenges of implementing America’s new standards.