How Much Has Changed Since 1997? Not That Much.

The indefatiguable Checker Finn wrote in from afar to correct the record on his views of national testing, which I had yesterday described as a flip flop.

Like other commenters, Finn reminded me that he supported national testing as long as NAGB was in control. True enough. But my point -- poorly articulated as it was -- is that while supporting national tests a decade ago Finn was exceedingly realistic about their chances of enactment. Ten years later, he's much more optimistic.

In a followup email, Finn deputy Mike Petrilli points out helpfully (if not entirely persuasively) that NCLB has "changed the debate," and that not all Ds hate testing anymore, and Rs are scared to death of China and India.