The Bookshelf: Jan. 8, 2015

Trib+Edu is joining with respected books authority Kirkus Reviews to bring you select reviews of books of note in the field of public education. For more book reviews and recommendations, visit Kirkus.com.

THE TEST: Why Our Schools Are Obsessed with Standardized Testing—But You Don’t Have to Be

by Anya Kamenetz

Beginning with a comprehensive history of standardized testing, NPR education blogger Kamenetz shows how this method of analysis morphed into standard practice in the American school system to assess the abilities of students and teachers alike … Using thorough research and illuminating interviews, the author provides readers with effective solutions to implement on both the individual level — opt out of taking standardized tests or work on individual projects that emphasize a variety of skills, not just language arts and math — and the national level, where assessments of student performance should be used for the greater good of the community as well as the individual … The author amply shows why the current process of evaluation must be upgraded to meet future needs.

For full review, visit kirkus.com