ClassCast Podcast

Ep.039 -- Mike Bergin & Amy Seeley -- Standardized Tests & the Rest

August 23, 2020 Season 2 Episode 39
ClassCast Podcast
Ep.039 -- Mike Bergin & Amy Seeley -- Standardized Tests & the Rest
Show Notes

ClassCast Podcast Ep.039 features Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley -- standardized test experts, tutors, entrepreneurs, networkers, and podcasters -- speaking with host Ryan Tibbens about high stakes testing, the evolution of tests, "good testers," equity, grade inflation, improving schools, and much more. This discussion covers it all -- from becoming standardized test experts to school curriculum, from Randy Moss to Leo Tolstoy.

Table of Contents 

  1. Intro/Changing Tests over Time     --     0:00-9:12
  2. Randy Moss: Do "Good Testers" Make Good Tutors?     --     9:15-17:37
  3. Leo Tolstoy: All about "Naturally Good Testers"     --     17:38-20:46
  4. Is the SAT Legit?     --     20:47-23:40
  5. Test Prep: Strategies vs Skills and Curriculum     --     23:49-33:28
  6. Don't Kill the Messenger: Grade Inflation & Equity     --     33:29-44:41
  7. Ideal Schools: More Reading, Smaller Classes, & Peer Teaching     --     44:53-49:48
  8. Recommendations: Books & Movies     --     49:50-53:03
  9. Wrap-Up/Final Wisdom     --     53:21-54:58


Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley host the Tests & the Rest: The College Admissions Industry Podcast, which Ryan appeared on to talk about rhetoric and admissions essays; through their podcasting, they've spoken with well over 100 industry experts about different aspects of college admissions, testing, writing, research, and more.  In addition to their podcast, Mike and Amy are the co-founders of the Test Prep Tribe private Facebook group for tutors and the National Test Prep Association, an all-new professional organization that connects and supports independent test prep tutors around the world. Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning in Rochester, New York; he previously tutored and worked as testing expert for Princeton Review and Huntington Learning Center. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros in Cleveland, Ohio; she previously tutored and trained with Princeton Review. Between them, they have over 50 years of test prep tutoring experience. Be sure to check out their podcast, particularly the episode featuring our host Ryan Tibbens.

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