Achievement Quote by Diane Ravitch
“In DC, policymakers think that if we can only have high enough standards, tough enough tests, and hold people accountable, we can close the achievement gap. And it hasn't happened. Yet the new law, the Every Student Succeeds Act, is based on the same test-based and market-driven framework and ideology, except it lets the states do it.”
About This Quote
Source Policy: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) legislation, 2015
High standards, tough tests, and accountability alone have not closed the achievement gap; the same approach persists under ESSA, shifting control to states.
In simple terms: Tests and standards alone haven't solved educational inequality.
Key Takeaway
Rethink policies beyond testing.
Themes
education reform
accountability
equity
policy
test-based systems
Mood
critical
concerned
analytical
Type
policy
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- School districts
- state education agencies
- teacher training
- community engagement
Key Concepts
Achievement gap
market-driven education
state autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑test factors most affect student success?
- How can states innovate beyond market‑driven models?
A Different Perspective
Testing alone cannot address deeper systemic inequities.
