Book club, film examine standardized testing

The East Side Freedom Library in St. Paul is hosting two events – a  book discussion and film screening – to examine the issues related to standardized tests in public education. These controversial exams are being challenged by students, parents and educators.

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., the library will host a free discussion on “More Than a Score,” edited by Jesse Hagopian. This book is a collection of essays, poems, speeches, and interviews from frontline fighters, defying the corporate education reformers who are pushing these high-stakes standardized tests.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., the library will have a free screening of “Standardized” (2013), a documentary that examines the consequences of high stakes testing and the money involved in it.

For decades, standardized testing has been a part of public education. Within the last 10 years, however, the testing has taken on a more important, and possibly more damaging, role. The documentary makes the argument that test scores, mistakenly viewed as effective assessments of student ability and teacher/school effectiveness, are anything but. This film sheds light on the invalid nature of these tests, the terrible consequences of high-stakes testing, and the big money that’s involved.

Both events are free and open to all. The East Side Freedom Library is located at 1105 Greenbrier St. in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood of St. Paul. Learn more and view other upcoming events at the library’s website.