Backlash weakens US education reform push

Abstract

Subject Political backlash against testing in US education policy. Significance Standardised testing as part of the US education reform regime is a politically controversial issue, given its salience among parents, ties to funding raised by state and local taxation, and the involvement of well-funded NGOs and political interest groups. The backlash against testing has hindered one of the key policy goals of the Obama administration and other education 'reformists' -- a common metric for comparing student learning in order to drive federal intervention and funding in schools. Impacts Relocation of households to better-performing school districts will exacerbate income inequality and limit social mobility. The federal government may increase investment in internet infrastructure to make up for state and local budget shortfalls. Local shortages of skilled labour will hinder the US manufacturing sector.