'I fought the law, and the law won.' So declares the Bobby Fuller Four in their 1960’s hit song. Many teachers, parents, and friends of public education have felt this sense of hopelessness and loss of power since the beginning of the No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top era as they faced a seemingly insurmountable force of political and corporate support of so-called 'educational reform,' which focuses on standardized testing, a narrowed curriculum, and hyper-criticism of teachers and schools. Polka and McKenna have accomplished the unlikely task of putting together a book that is both cathartic and empowering as readers hear from those in the trenches: parents, teachers, administrators, and university teacher educators who are fighting for what is best for children, and in many cases winning the battle. Read, be inspired, and then engage: There is much yet to be done, but this volume gives evidence that it can be done!

Terrell M. Peace Ph.D, Past President Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Teacher Education, Huntington University

This book provides the first-hand perspective of several accomplished educators on the impact of recent education reforms. Its timely analysis demonstrates the source of the motivation of thousands of parents and practitioners to challenge the rationale for high stakes testing and offers an alternative vision for a child-centered education system.

Kevin S. Casey, Executive Director, School Administrators Association of New York State

Amid growing concerns over educational reforms that run counter to sound, evidence-based education, Polka and McKenna have exposed the dangers of complacency. They have provided a compelling argument and now urge us to step forward onto the path they have laid out to do what is right for our children. All it will take now is courage.

Shirley Lefever PhD, interim vice president and provost, Wichita State University; past president, Association of Teacher Educators (ATE)

The authors in this book present a strong case for all of us — parents, teachers, educators, concerned citizens, and policy-makers — to stand firm in advocating for schools where every child has the opportunity to flourish rather than flounder. I really appreciate the work, the passion, and the rationale that they have created for stopping the testing madness. Let's hope it spreads.

Freddie A. Bowles Ph.D, Associate Professor of Foreign Language Education, College of Education and Health Professions, Program Director for Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education

This book entails innovative and relative ideas and practices of the trends in education that are beneficial to programs all over the nation. The knowledge gained can be an asset to program modification in education.

Jennifer Young, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS., NCATE /Assessment Coordinator, Assistant Professor, Education

Polka and McKenna unite readers in a quest for doing what is right — right for children, right for teachers, and right for our educational system. Chapter authors rally readers against one-size-fits-all assessments with logic, theory, and personal accounts of how over testing of students undermines creativity, divergent thinking, and motivation to learn. This book is a must-read for all who seek to understand the impact of No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, and commercial assessments. It comprehensively acknowledges the significance of designing education with respect for individual differences and needs within children. This book is so interesting and reader-friendly that it captivates the reader to truly reflect about what should be the direction of education in America today!

Cathy J. Pearman, professor and department head, Reading, Foundations, and Technology, Missouri State University