Wenglinsky (2005). Using technology wisely: The keys to success in schools. New York: Teachers College Press.

“Inadequacies in teacher quality are the primary obstacle to the effectiveness of educational technology; for teachers to use computers effectively they have to be taught both about using computers and about using the pedagogy most productive for computer use, namely constructivism.” p. 33.

Quote in response to principals inquiry about poor performance on standardized tests “Most standardized state tests rely chiefly on multiple choice questions to measure whether students have acquired basic skills or absorbed certain knowledge. Only the best standardized tests include questions, like essays, that more closely resemble what students do in the classroom because so-called extended-response items are expensive to develop, administer, and grade. And only the best standardized tests measure student acquisition of higher order thinking skills and advanced concepts.” p. 51. (Note - Wenglinsky cites NAEP and AP tests as good standardized tests.)

NAEP Teacher Survey addressed higher order thinking skills development by asking math teachers if:

• they asked students to solve problems with multiple solutions
• they asked students to solve real-world problems
• engaged students in hands-on activities

Science teachers were asked about project based learning, hands on activities and data analysis. Teaching metacognitive skills were positively related to reading achievement. Conversely, teachers were asked about didactic practices such as learning facts and solving routine problems. These practices are either neutral or negatively related to achievement. p. 64.

Other points

• Testing proved detrimental.
• Teachers who had training in addressing special needs, cultural diversity and English Language learners did better with ALL students (implying customization of curriculum is effective).
• Working in groups or with partners improved math and science scores.

Specific Data Relationships

8th grade math:

8th grade science:

4th grade math:

4th grade science:

8th grade reading:

all p >.05