Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons^™

Leap-Ing Toward Accountability? Ideology, Practice, And The Voices Of Louisiana Educators, Jim Horn

The Qualitative Report

Louisiana educators at an urban K-5 school participated in a two-year study to share their experiences related to the implementation of a state high-stakes testing program (LEAP 21) that is used to make promotion decisions in grades 4 and 8. Observations, document analysis, and interviews were used to study the development of attitudes, perceptions, and practices related to the use of and consequences emanating from this testing practice. It was found that the state test has far-reaching effects on teaching, curriculum, school climate, students, parents, and school administration. The ideology of testing as a positive reform idea and the practice …