Winner of the 2014 AERA Division D Significant Contribution to Educational Measurement and Research Methodology Award, American Educational Research Association "[T]hought-provoking... He questions the anecdotal and statistical evidence that underpins many of today's education policies and reform efforts."
Library Journal "An absolutely absorbing book. Feels like a must for politicians, reformers, educators
math educators in particular."
Cut the Knot Insights "Renowned statistician and ... Read moreresearch scientist Howard Wainer applies the tools of his trade to answer a question that affects every American: What is wrong with our education system? ... Wainer pokes holes in almost every aspect of conventional education policy
college rankings, admissions, aptitude tests
including a scathing critique of No Child Left Behind."
Bruce Walsh, Metro "[Wainer's] overall message rings clear and true for much more than assessment: Policy that is formed without full analysis of the breadth of data available on a topic is policy that will fail."
Laurent Rigal, Education Gadfly "Tired of yelling at the TV when he saw news accounts of policy changes based on flawed evidence, Wainer uses his book to present evidence to help assess 11 such trends, including the entrance-exam-optional policies in many colleges and teacher evaluations based on student performance... Wainer applies more than statistical evidence to education policy; he also brings common sense to bear."
Maureen Downey, Atlanta Journal-Constitution "With its timely reminder that high stakes decisions often rely on anecdotes, laden with emotion, and that 'the plural of anecdote is not data,' Uneducated Guesses ought to be read by anyone who is concerned about the weaknesses (and wrong-headed assumptions) in current educational policies."
Glenn C. Altschuler, Tulsa World "I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in testing, especially for college admissions or advanced placement... Wainer is a gifted writer with a notable talent for analyzing and presenting data."
Bill Satzer, MAA Reviews "The book provides a model for the development of rational public education policies, something that America needs desperately."
Robert A. Bligh, Education Review "Educators and education policymakers interested in helping students realize their potential will benefit from reading Wainer's book because the implications reach beyond postsecondary school instruction. Teachers and administrators at all levels can follow the logic of Wainer's ideas as they seek to use evidenced-based pedagogical strategies in their classrooms."
Denise G. Brassell, Mathematics Teacher "In sum, this book is a wonderful compilation of concrete examples from educational testing that amply illustrate the importance of evidence-based policy-making. I recommend it as an interesting, entertaining, and most worthwhile read."
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