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San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Science
- San Francisco Chronicle
Texas' annual reading test adjusted its difficulty every year, masking whether students are improving
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Jeanne Sinclair, Memorial University of Newfoundland (THE CONVERSATION) Texas children's performance on an annual reading test was basically flat from 2012 to 2021, even as the state spent billions of additional dollars on K-12 education. I recently did a peer-reviewed deep dive into the test design documentation to figure out why the reported results weren't showing improvement. I found the flat scores were at least in part by design. According to policies buried in the documentation, the agency administering the tests adjusted their difficulty level every year. As a result, roughly the same share of students failed the test over that decade regardless of how objectively better they performed relative to previous years. From 2008 to 2014, I was a bilingual teacher in Texas. Most of my students' families hailed from Mexico and Central America and were learning English as a new language. I loved seeing my students' progress. Yet, no matter how much they learned, many failed the end-of-year tests in reading, writing and math. My hunch was that these tests were unfair, but I could not explain why. This, among other things, prompted me to pursue a Ph.D. in education to better understand large-scale educational assessment. Ten years later, in 2024, I completed a detailed exploration of Texas's exam, currently known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. I found an unexpected trend: The share of students who correctly answered each test question was extraordinarily steady across years. Where we would expect to see fluctuation from year to year, performance instead appears artificially flat. The STAAR's technical documents reveal that the test is designed much like a norm-referenced test – that is, assessing students relative to their peers, rather than if they meet a fixed standard. In other words, a norm-referenced test cannot tell us if students meet key, fixed criteria or grade-level standards set by the state. In addition, norm-referenced tests are designed so that a certain share of students always fail, because success is gauged by one's position on the 'bell curve' in relation to other students. Following this logic, STAAR developers use practices like omitting easier questions and adjusting scores to cancel out gains due to better teaching. Ultimately, the STAAR tests over this time frame – taken by students every year from grade 3 to grade 8 in language arts and math, and less frequently in science and social studies – were not designed to show improvement. Since the test is designed to keep scores flat, it's impossible to know for sure if a lack of expected learning gains following big increases in per-student spending was because the extra funds failed to improve teaching and learning, or simply because the test hid the improvements. Why it matters Ever since the federal education policy known as No Child Left Behind went into effect in 2002 and tied students' test performance to rewards and sanctions for schools, achievement testing has been a primary driver of public education in the United States. Texas' educational accountability system has been in place since 1980, and it is well known in the state that the stakes and difficulty of Texas' academic readiness tests increase with each new version, which typically come out every five to 10 years. What the Texas public may not know is that the tests have been adjusted each and every year – at the expense of really knowing who should 'pass' or 'fail.' The test's design affects not just students but also schools and communities. High-stakes test scores determine school resources, the state's takeover of school districts and accreditation of teacher education programs. Home values are even driven by local schools' performance on high-stakes tests. Students who are marginalized by racism, poverty or language have historically tended to underperform on standardized tests. STAAR's design makes this problem worse. On May 28, 2025, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with a different norm-referenced test. As best as I can tell, this wouldn't address the problems I uncovered in my research. What still isn't known I plan to investigate if other states or the federal government use similarly designed tests to evaluate students. My deep dive into Texas' test focused on STAAR before its 2022 redevelopment. The latest iteration has changed the test format and question types, but there appears to be little change to the way the test is scored. Without substantive revisions to the scoring calculations 'under the hood' of the STAAR test, it is likely Texas will continue to see flat performance.
National Observer
07-05-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Smith talks separatism while Carney visits White House
While Prime Minister Mark Carney met with US President Donald Trump, Alberta's premier was making waves with talk about separatist sentiments in the province. 'I personally still have hope that there is a path forward for a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada,' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a speech livestreamed as Carney was arriving in Washington on Monday. Smith said the government won't put a vote on separation from Canada on the referendum ballot, but if there is a successful citizen-led referendum petition, the question would come up in the 2026 provincial referendum. 'The vast majority of these individuals are not fringe voices to be marginalized or vilified. They are loyal Albertans,' Smith said. 'They're frustrated, and they have every reason to be.' Many First Nations leaders in Alberta have slammed Smith for enabling a referendum on separatism and 'attempting to manufacture a national unity crisis.' "Alberta did not exist when our ancestors agreed to share the land with the Crown,' read the letter sent by Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine and Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Billy-Joe Tuccaro. Talking about Alberta separatism as a credible stance is a 'very risky thing to do politically" for the premier, said Memorial University of Newfoundland professor Russell Williams 'The province has no authority to supersede or interfere with our treaties, even indirectly by passing the buck to a 'citizen' referendum." Tuccaro and Sunshine went on to invite Canadians who 'are not happy living on Treaty lands' to apply for citizenship elsewhere. When asked by a reporter about how a separatist referendum would violate Treaties 6, 7 and 8, Smith said, 'I guess I have to wait and see what kind of question comes forward from citizens before I would be able to make a judgment about whether or not it would impact rights. But what I have said is that you can't vote away treaty rights.' Russell Williams, an associate professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, said this is part of a recurring theme of Smith 'undermining the Team Canada approach' to the detriment of Canada and Alberta. 'It is absolutely the worst possible moment for her to be engaging in these stunts … it feeds narratives that may make it harder for Canada to manage Trump and get a good deal,' Williams said. Talking about Alberta separatism as a credible stance is a 'very risky thing to do politically" for the premier, he said. 'Either that will continue to be a very minority opinion, which is not good for her. Or she'll make it a more serious opinion, which means it's largely a bargaining stunt to try and get policy wins from Ottawa, [and] could end up backfiring in her face,' Williams said. 'The fact that Donald Trump is standing there looking for division in Canada makes it really an unfortunate strategy for her to take.' A day after the federal election, Smith's government tabled legislation that would make it easier for citizens to trigger a provincial referendum, lowering the required signatures from 20 per cent of registered voters to 10 per cent and granting an extra month to collect signatures. During her speech Monday, Smith announced the creation of a 'special negotiating team' to represent Alberta in talks with the federal government 'in pursuit of a new Alberta accord with Canada.'. She said this team will request reforms to guarantee port access to tidewater off the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic coast for Alberta energy and resources and demand the federal government abandon a slew of climate and environmental policies, including clean electricity regulations, the Impact Assessment Act, electric vehicle sales mandate, the industrial carbon price and oil and gas emissions cap. None of these demands are new. 'Should those negotiations fail and the economic attacks continue, Alberta didn't start this fight, but rest assured, we will finish it and come out of it stronger and more prosperous than ever,' Smith said.
CNN
22-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
Teen use of cannabis edibles increases 43% after legalization in Canada, study finds
Legalization of cannabis products may be linked to growing use among teens, a new study found. Teen use of cannabis rose 26% in Canadian provinces that legalized the sale of edibles and extracts in October 2019, according to the study, which published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Edible use increased 43%, raising concerns about youth-friendly forms of the drug, such as cannabis chocolates, candies, sodas and desserts — the same products responsible for a growing number of child hospitalizations in the US. Based on surveys of more than 106,000 students aged 12 to 17 years old, the study found use remained stable in Quebec, where the sale of these products was still banned. Canada legalized dried cannabis use in October 2018, and all Canadian provinces except Quebec followed a year later by legalizing the sale of cannabis edibles and extracts. While Canada's 2018 law prohibits the sale of cannabis to individuals under 18, the study suggests legalization could have made these products more accessible to teens and influenced their attitudes surrounding use. Canadian laws require child-resistant, plain and clearly labeled packaging for cannabis edibles, but illicit products sold online and by unauthorized distributors often look like other snacks, according to the study. 'This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,' said senior author Dr. Hai Nguyen, a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in an email. Teens using cannabis products regularly are at a greater risk for developing dependency disorders later in life, according to neuroscientist Joshua Gowin, who was not involved in the study. 'Some (studies) suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, especially heavy use, could alter brain development,' said Gowin, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 'If you start using earlier, it may be harder to change that trajectory later on.' Cannabis use can affect parts of the brain that deal with attention, coordination, learning, decision-making and emotional regulation, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use at an early age has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and a heightened risk of developing longer-lasting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, in adulthood. Despite these risks, the study found the students perceived less harm from occasional cannabis use because of its legalization. Using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time, which studies show can lead to higher and more frequent consumption of both, was 28% more prevalent after legalization as well. When it comes to social attitudes around drug use, causality is often complicated to prove, because laws can change in response to cultural changes as well, Gowin said. For this reason, other research methods beyond surveys can play an important role in understanding the effects of legalization for future policymaking decisions. Related video These 'Cannamoms' say weed helps them be better moms In the US, the relationship between adolescent use and legalization may be even more complex to study because of variations in state and local regulations, Gowin said. Federally, cannabis is illegal, but 47 states have legalized it for medical uses and 24 states for adult recreational purposes. Each state has its own laws about marketing, packaging and distribution of these products. Nguyen also noted his research only addresses short-term effects based on one point in time after legalization, so it's important to continuously study how use patterns evolve and reflect changes in the laws. In the meantime, Nguyen recommended policymakers focus on striking the right balance between adult access and teen protection. Further enforcement may be needed to crack down on marketing and packaging that appeals to younger people, he noted, and local regulators can ensure cannabis distributors are located an appropriate distance away from schools. 'It is also essential to invest in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of cannabis use among adolescents,' Nguyen said, adding that multimedia public health campaigns, school-based awareness efforts and parent-child communication are all important prevention strategies. Parent-youth communication guides can help families have more informed conversations at home and navigate common misconceptions about edible use, Nguyen said. 'It's not about scaring people,' Gowin said. 'Honesty and truth can be at the forefront of the conversations and hopefully people can make up their own minds about what's the best thing for them, their families and their communities.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teen cannabis use increased after legalization in Canada, study finds
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit for free and confidential support. Legalization of cannabis products may be linked to growing use among teens, a new study found. Teen use of cannabis rose 26% in Canadian provinces that legalized the sale of edibles and extracts in October 2019, according to the study, which published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Edible use increased 43%, raising concerns about youth-friendly forms of the drug, such as cannabis chocolates, candies, sodas and desserts — the same products responsible for a growing number of child hospitalizations in the US. Based on surveys of more than 106,000 students aged 12 to 17 years old, the study found use remained stable in Quebec, where the sale of these products was still banned. Canada legalized dried cannabis use in October 2018, and all Canadian provinces except Quebec followed a year later by legalizing the sale of cannabis edibles and extracts. While Canada's 2018 law prohibits the sale of cannabis to individuals under 18, the study suggests legalization could have made these products more accessible to teens and influenced their attitudes surrounding use. Canadian laws require child-resistant, plain and clearly labeled packaging for cannabis edibles, but illicit products sold online and by unauthorized distributors often look like other snacks, according to the study. 'This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,' said senior author Dr. Hai Nguyen, a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in an email. Teens using cannabis products regularly are at a greater risk for developing dependency disorders later in life, according to neuroscientist Joshua Gowin, who was not involved in the study. 'Some (studies) suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, especially heavy use, could alter brain development,' said Gowin, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 'If you start using earlier, it may be harder to change that trajectory later on.' Cannabis use can affect parts of the brain that deal with attention, coordination, learning, decision-making and emotional regulation, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use at an early age has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and a heightened risk of developing longer-lasting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, in adulthood. Despite these risks, the study found the students perceived less harm from occasional cannabis use because of its legalization. Using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time, which studies show can lead to higher and more frequent consumption of both, was 28% more prevalent after legalization as well. When it comes to social attitudes around drug use, causality is often complicated to prove, because laws can change in response to cultural changes as well, Gowin said. For this reason, other research methods beyond surveys can play an important role in understanding the effects of legalization for future policymaking decisions. In the US, the relationship between adolescent use and legalization may be even more complex to study because of variations in state and local regulations, Gowin said. Federally, cannabis is illegal, but 47 states have legalized it for medical uses and 24 states for adult recreational purposes. Each state has its own laws about marketing, packaging and distribution of these products. Nguyen also noted his research only addresses short-term effects based on one point in time after legalization, so it's important to continuously study how use patterns evolve and reflect changes in the laws. In the meantime, Nguyen recommended policymakers focus on striking the right balance between adult access and teen protection. Further enforcement may be needed to crack down on marketing and packaging that appeals to younger people, he noted, and local regulators can ensure cannabis distributors are located an appropriate distance away from schools. 'It is also essential to invest in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of cannabis use among adolescents,' Nguyen said, adding that multimedia public health campaigns, school-based awareness efforts and parent-child communication are all important prevention strategies. Parent-youth communication guides can help families have more informed conversations at home and navigate common misconceptions about edible use, Nguyen said. 'It's not about scaring people,' Gowin said. 'Honesty and truth can be at the forefront of the conversations and hopefully people can make up their own minds about what's the best thing for them, their families and their communities.'
CNN
22-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
Teen cannabis use increased after legalization in Canada, study finds
Legalization of cannabis products may be linked to growing use among teens, a new study found. Teen use of cannabis rose 26% in Canadian provinces that legalized the sale of edibles and extracts in October 2019, according to the study, which published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Edible use increased 43%, raising concerns about youth-friendly forms of the drug, such as cannabis chocolates, candies, sodas and desserts — the same products responsible for a growing number of child hospitalizations in the US. Based on surveys of more than 106,000 students aged 12 to 17 years old, the study found use remained stable in Quebec, where the sale of these products was still banned. Canada legalized dried cannabis use in October 2018, and all Canadian provinces except Quebec followed a year later by legalizing the sale of cannabis edibles and extracts. While Canada's 2018 law prohibits the sale of cannabis to individuals under 18, the study suggests legalization could have made these products more accessible to teens and influenced their attitudes surrounding use. Canadian laws require child-resistant, plain and clearly labeled packaging for cannabis edibles, but illicit products sold online and by unauthorized distributors often look like other snacks, according to the study. 'This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,' said senior author Dr. Hai Nguyen, a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in an email. Teens using cannabis products regularly are at a greater risk for developing dependency disorders later in life, according to neuroscientist Joshua Gowin, who was not involved in the study. 'Some (studies) suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, especially heavy use, could alter brain development,' said Gowin, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 'If you start using earlier, it may be harder to change that trajectory later on.' Cannabis use can affect parts of the brain that deal with attention, coordination, learning, decision-making and emotional regulation, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use at an early age has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and a heightened risk of developing longer-lasting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, in adulthood. Despite these risks, the study found the students perceived less harm from occasional cannabis use because of its legalization. Using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time, which studies show can lead to higher and more frequent consumption of both, was 28% more prevalent after legalization as well. When it comes to social attitudes around drug use, causality is often complicated to prove, because laws can change in response to cultural changes as well, Gowin said. For this reason, other research methods beyond surveys can play an important role in understanding the effects of legalization for future policymaking decisions. Related video These 'Cannamoms' say weed helps them be better moms In the US, the relationship between adolescent use and legalization may be even more complex to study because of variations in state and local regulations, Gowin said. Federally, cannabis is illegal, but 47 states have legalized it for medical uses and 24 states for adult recreational purposes. Each state has its own laws about marketing, packaging and distribution of these products. Nguyen also noted his research only addresses short-term effects based on one point in time after legalization, so it's important to continuously study how use patterns evolve and reflect changes in the laws. In the meantime, Nguyen recommended policymakers focus on striking the right balance between adult access and teen protection. Further enforcement may be needed to crack down on marketing and packaging that appeals to younger people, he noted, and local regulators can ensure cannabis distributors are located an appropriate distance away from schools. 'It is also essential to invest in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of cannabis use among adolescents,' Nguyen said, adding that multimedia public health campaigns, school-based awareness efforts and parent-child communication are all important prevention strategies. Parent-youth communication guides can help families have more informed conversations at home and navigate common misconceptions about edible use, Nguyen said. 'It's not about scaring people,' Gowin said. 'Honesty and truth can be at the forefront of the conversations and hopefully people can make up their own minds about what's the best thing for them, their families and their communities.'
