The Effects of Testing on Teaching and Curriculum in a Large Urbad"School District.

An urban school district affected by testing in the effective rchools context is described in order to provide examples of the of ts of testing on teaching and the curriculum. The report describes tale method of operationalizing the effective schools research using test information. An important catalyst to improving the instructional program was the development of an accountability plan by the superintendent and its dissemination to all, administrators and teachers within the school district. The goals of the program were to improve student achievement; improve the environment in which teaching and learning occur; and strengthen support from parents, the community at large, and community leaders for the program. The district utilized several new and tested strategies to precipitate positive change. The test results were part of the catalyst for change. The district has shown improvement in providing a quality education for all students through a strong instructional program manifested in higher test scores. (DWH) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made