Test Restricted Content

Standardizing Imperialism

A look at how California’s standards discourage students from looking critically at U.S. foreign policy, and implicitly teach imperialism.

Measuring Water with Justice

A multidisciplinary lesson helps elementary students explore the economics, science, and politics of one of the world’s most precious resources.

Sweatshop Accounting

A high school teacher shares lessons on economic justice with his business-education students.

The No Child Left Behind Test

Since today’s education policymakers seem to love this format, Rethinking Schools presents a multiple-choice test on NCLB that unlike most multiple choice tests, this one has some educational value.

Leaving Children Behind

At first glance this elementary school would make a great ad for the No Child Left Behind act. But beneath the orderly classrooms and good test scores, the author senses great tension among the kids. At recess, students share insights about what NCLB is doing to them, and what makes school meaningful.

Making History

John Kerry’s groundbreaking 1971 speech against the Vietnam War can be a useful teaching tool.

Poetry

A middle-school teacher shares her reaction to the underperforming” label.”

Blowing the Whistle on The Texas Miracle

Rethinking Schools’ managing editor interviews the man who shined a spotlight on the dropout scandal in Houston. A former dropout himself, Kimball describes the retaliation he has suffered for poking holes in empty education reforms, and describes his continuing battle against institutional racism in education.

Moving Beyond Judgment

The celebrated language-arts teacher comes clean” on why she hasn’t graded a student paper in 28 years.”

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