1. CATO Institute The mission of the Cato Institute is to increase the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace. The Institute will use the most effective means to originate, advocate, promote, and disseminate applicable policy proposals that create free, open, and civil societies in the United States and throughout the world.
2. Policy Perspectives Variety of topics – general focus of limiting government and protecting individual rights Contributors: Author of Feds in the Classroom Concerns of Education becoming like China – producing graduates who will not get jobs Devaluing diplomas Parents are best suited to make decisions regarding their children’s care and education
3. Fair Test The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) advances quality education and equal opportunity by promoting fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial evaluations of students, teachers and schools. FairTest also works to end the misuses and flaws of testing practices that impede those goals.
4. Policy Perspectives The Assessment Reform Network: improve student assessment practices in their communities. Creating a new framework for assessment through dissemination of Principles and Indicators for Student Assessment Systems Uncovering the bias, misuses and coach ability of the SAT, ACT and similar college entrance exams Stopping the misuses of SAT/ACT scores to determine eligibility for college financial aid such as National Collegiate Athletic Association's initial eligibility rules and the National Merit Scholarship Competition Promoting test score-optional policies for college admissions Attacking the false notions that test scores equal merit Need multiple measures Monitoring the unregulated and highly profitable testing industry, particularly its rush to computerized testing, by "Examining the Examiners" Exposing flawed employment tests, such as the National Teacher's Exam (NTE), and advocating hiring and promotions systems based on genuine performance No pay for performance NCLB and ESEA accountability measures realistic
5. Links to our Topics Limit policy – less restrictive Empower parents Reforming NCLB Protecting individual rights
