Wainer, H: Uneducated Guesses Using Evidence to Uncover Misguided Education Policies

[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 research 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