Put to the Test
Series: American RadioWorks: Focus on Education
From: American Public Media
Length: 00:54:00
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There’s been a dramatic change in public education over the past 10 years and it’s all about numbers. Schools across the country are using standardized tests to measure just about everything about student performance. And these tests can have stark consequences. School closures, student diplomas, teacher pay raises – all are increasingly linked to test results. This documentary examines how high-stakes testing took root in American classrooms and what effect it is having. "Put to the Test" brings these questions to life through a portrait of Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina over the course of two school years.
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Piece Description
There’s been a dramatic change in public education over the past 10 years and it’s all about numbers. Schools across the country are using standardized tests to measure just about everything about student performance. And these tests can have stark consequences. School closures, student diplomas, teacher pay raises – all are increasingly linked to test results. This documentary examines how high-stakes testing took root in American classrooms and what effect it is having. "Put to the Test" brings these questions to life through a portrait of Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina over the course of two school years.
Transcript
Part 1
Stephen Smith: From American Public Media, this is an American RadioWorks documentary produced in association with North Carolina Public Radio- WUNC.
[school bell]
Male teacher: You’ve got about 12 minutes. I’ll call your name. Come get your test.
Smith: There’s been a dramatic change in American schools.
Male teacher: Clear off your desk, you need a writing utensil.
Smith: In every public school standardized tests are being used to measure what students are learning.
Male teacher: You’re going to have 40 questions on this test.
Smith: Test results are putting new pressures on teachers and schools.
[school bell]
Principal: It is absolutely essential that we get every student tested.
Smith: But is it working? This hour, “Put to the Test” a documentary from American RadioWorks.
First, the news.
[cheers and “Hail to the Chief”]
Smith: In January of 2002...
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
00:00 - 01:00 (0:59 + :01 silence) Billboard outcue = "first, this news."
01:00 - 06:00 (5:00) NPR News hole, Music Bed.
06:00 - 38:29 (32:29) Part 1; outcue = "American Public Media."
38:29 - 39:29 (0:59 + :01 silence) Music Bed.
39:29 - 59:00 (19:31) Part 2; outcue = "American Public Media."
59:00 - 60:00 (1:00) silence rolling on tape. (Not included on PRX)
Intro and Outro
INTRO:American public schools rely more and more on standardized tests to measure student performance. A new American RadioWorks documentary looks at the effects of high-stakes testing in one North Carolina high school.
OUTRO:Additional Credits
American RadioWorks' reporting on education is funded by the Spencer Foundation, supporting research to improve learning.
Put to the Test was produced in cooperation with North Carolina Public Radio – WUNC.
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