Somerville Rep and School Committee member to host documentary screening
Somerville Journal
10/2/09
The film, "Children Left Behind," takes a look at high-stakes MCAS testing and its impact on teachers, schools and children. Sciortino is featured in the film for his work on MCAS reform.
The film will begin at 7 p.m. followed by discussion. Sciortino and Rossetti will be joined by Lisa Guisbond, policy analyst at FairTest, a national organization working to end the misuses and flaws of standardized testing. This event is free and open to the public. Anyone with interest in education is encouraged to attend.
"Improving our public schools has been one of my top priorities in the State House," said Sciortino. "It became clear to me early on that high-stakes testing is not only ineffective at improving education, but jeopardizes the futures of many hard-working kids."
Rossetti agreed, saying, "This film reinforces the fact that we need to look at the value of education and how well we are serving kids in our schools. Discouraging students by imposing a narrow and rigid standard is not helping anyone."
Sciortino introduced House Bill 3660, an act to improve assessment and accountability to ensure students acquire 21st Century skills, last session. This legislation would incorporate other assessment measures when considering graduation preparedness and move to make evaluation of students and schools more comprehensive. Rossetti also serves on the Massachusetts Association of School Committees advocacy committee and has been a strong advocate for MCAS reform at the State House and in the community.
"Children Left Behind" is a documentary by Northeastern Prof. Dr. Louis Kruger that explores MCAS testing in Massachusetts public schools. Interviews with students, parents, scholars and legislators give a comprehensive look at how MCAS as a graduation requirement may be failing many of our most vulnerable students.