This right here, is scary. When the group think has permeated so deep into our cultural perception that standardized testing as they are today are beneficial that even a teacher has bought in... shudder.
This teachers view of testing is contradictory to most educators that I have encountered. In fact many educators vehemently disagree with mandated testing and its consequences. It is a scary thought when educators believe their is benefit for students in high stakes testing.
Standardized testing cripples cirriculum. It greatly limits the scope and breadth of knowledge. In fact, true knowledge isn't even really gained from this form of education. Not to mention, the idea of a standard in nearly all other areas of society is looked down upon. For instance, say that everyone should be held to the "Christian" standard. This would cause a frenzy, as"Chrsitian" ethics are not held in esteem by all. Yet when dealing with education, the opposite is assumed.
The title is a little misleading, because it is not necessarily "brief." However, it offers a history of teaching English. In case anyone needed more of a historical background of how teaching English was developed. The article explains how the trend shifted from the teacher as an omniscient know-it-all, to a classroom focused on the students.
Yes, technology has created new ways of thinking, and we need to figure out how to help our students harness their abiltiies to negotiate new technologies for more traditional academic purposes.