z46\doc\web\2000\10\nc.txt besecker@SPRYNET.COM oct 31, 2000 To clarify: Alex Bloomberg, who produces the NPR show, This American Life, called me 2 weeks ago and asked me to help him make some arrangements for doing a show on the NC testing program (ABCs). They are doing a 4-part series on the election and they wanted to do one segment on education in NC because Gore mentioned our state in one of the debates (incorrectly, when he claimed that Governor Hunt had shut down some failing schools--not true). I made a few calls and suggested a couple schools that he might want to visit. I talked to him on the phone several times about his approach, because I told him I did not want to participate if he was going to make NC look good! We talked today and he is editing the final copy. I will not be on the air, but I had several long discussions with him on the phone. If you are interested, go to www.thislife.org to find out when the program will air in your market. He is sending me 3 tapes of the show for my help. Maybe I can use them in the fight here. We will see. Also, as I read the discussions on this list, I notice that NC is often overlooked in references here and by the media. What you need to understand is that, if you are a testing and accountability advocate, we are the model. We have done all the "right" things--alignment, rewards for improvement, etc. Our struggle is more difficult than most because our system is not so obviously screwed up. For example, Virginia and Washington have such ridiculous tests that it is easier to generate opposition, and Texas is hyped up beyond belief. What will happen in many of your states is that, when they want to make changes or "improvements" they will look to us. If you want to know where this crazy testing mania is headed, study NC. Irv P.S. Alex provided me with a laugh when he said that he talked to Phil Kirk, the State Board Chairman, and Kirk hung up on him. I told him he must be doing something right! -----Original Message----- From: Julie Woestehoff To: ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU Date: Monday, October 30, 2000 5:39 PM Subject: Re: This American Life this week >This is a bit frustrating since that program is produced in Chicago, the home >of test abuse, so why go looking so far away for a story that's right under >your nose? But sour grapes aside, congratulations- it is a great show and any >way we can keep the word going out is great! Julie W. > >Glenn wrote: > >> NPR's "This American Life" show is doing a program on standardized testing. >> I believe it is focusing on what is happening here in North Carolina, but >> I'm not the producer, so what do I *really* know when it all shakes out! ;) >> >> I was interviewed for the program (which was a way cool experience, I must >> say) as were other teachers. The impression that I got from the producer >> was that the show would focus on the negative impact of these tests on >> schools. >> >> Thought you all might want to listen-- it will air sometime next weekend >> (Nov. 4-5) in most areas. You'll have to check the schedule for your local >> NPR station (here it's on Saturday afternoon from 1-2 pm-- I'd imagine most >> would be about the same time frame). >> >> Teresa Glenn >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - >> To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L >> to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU. > >-------------------------------------------------------------------------- >To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L >to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU.