While observers will judge Bloomberg and Klein's tenure using standardized
test scores — and even they agree those
scores are important measures — Klein has made no secret of the fact that he wishes his team's work to be marked
in the end by significant
upticks in both the graduation rate and the numbers of students who pass basic
tests in order to qualify for a Regents diploma.
Carol Burris of the Network for Public Education pointed out today on national Public Radio, that the proponents of
test - based accountability took a very different posture
in 2013 when a very small
uptick in NAEP
scores were cited by Arne Duncan as proof that the strategies
in place were working.