TED: The billion-dollar problem in education | Tanishia Lavette Williams

The video discusses the history and impact of standardized assessments in the U.S., highlighting their role in education and the negative effects on students and teachers. It critiques the accountability and effectiveness of these tests and proposes alternative approaches to improve education quality. The speaker uses data visualization to analyze curriculum inequities and discusses the economic and social implications of testing. A call to action is made for stakeholders to prioritize standards over standardization and invest in more effective educational practices.

What is the primary role of standardized assessments in the American education system?

• To reduce educational costs

• To label and compartmentalize students

• To eliminate the need for teachers

• To encourage creativity in students

What historical fact about standardized assessments is mentioned in the introduction?

• They started around 1845

• They have always been part of education

• They were introduced in the 21st century

• They were first used in 1900

According to the speaker, what is a major downside of high-stakes testing?

• It improves teacher practice

• It builds thinkers and creators

• It causes stress and anxiety among students

• It reduces the need for assessments

How does the speaker describe the standardized testing industry?

• A non-profit initiative

• A billion-dollar industry

• A small-scale operation

• A government-funded program

In the context of New York City schools, what does the curriculum primarily focus on?

• Mathematics and Science

• U.S. history and its representation

• Physical Education

• Art and Music

What does the speaker identify as a missing element in the U.S. history curriculum?

• A focus on European history

• A diverse representation of narratives

• More emphasis on technology

• Increased physical education

What does the speaker suggest is a significant issue with the current use of standardized assessments?

• They are not used in enough schools

• They focus on memorization rather than critical thinking

• They are too cheap to implement

• They are too easy for students

What does the speaker suggest about the color of achievement?

• It is irrelevant in education

• It is linked to wealth and income

• It is associated with intelligence

• It is determined by standardized tests

What is one of the proposed solutions to improve the quality of education?

• Reduce the number of teachers

• Eliminate all forms of testing

• Focus on sample testing

• Increase the number of standardized tests

What role do teachers play in the proposed educational improvements?

• They should focus on memorization

• They should reduce classroom activities

• They should ask questions with known answers

• They should cultivate thinkers and creators