Defies Measurement
a documentary

​Defies Measurement strengthens the discussion about public education by taking a much-needed, fresh, hard look at what happens when the wrong people make decisions for schools. And, what it looks like when teachers teach in the way they know is best for kids. 
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PRAISE FOR THE FILM

“Puckett has done a superb job of creating a clear, comprehensible picture of the complex forces that are crushing public education. If you get frustrated with trying to explain the complex and crushing forces arrayed against what we know works in education, this film is a great resource. It is not sensationalized, it's not super-slick and it's not hyperbolized. It is a calm but relentless and clear raising of the alarm and showing what we know to do well, and how we are being taken down a failed and fruitless road. Watch this film. Share this film. Spread the word about this film.”
-Peter Greene, “Curmudgucation”

 “Shannon Puckett ratchets up the tension and knowledge methodically by gathering an all-star cast of education policy experts, parents and others— Diane Ravitch, David Berliner, Linda Darling-Hammond, David Kirp, Karran Harper Royal, Mercedes Schneider, Jason France, Howard Gardener and many many many others (y yo)… These are the critical voices and expertise noticeably absent in Davis Guggenheim’s Waiting for Superman. Puckett’s filmmaking is markedly more imaginative and accurate than Waiting for Superman. She clearly improves upon that effort. It could be said that Defies Measurement is kryptonite for Superman’s attempt to discuss what is ailing our nation’s schools. The movie has an acute sense of the unnerving aspects of education reform agenda, the film Defies Measurement made me simultaneously disappointed, angry— and yet with the Chipman backdrop— hopeful for an alternative student and community centered era in public education.”
-Julian Vasquez Heilig, “Cloaking Inequity”

"Must see film!"
-Jamaal Bowman, Principal of Cornerstone Academy of Social Action 

"This documentary is fantastic! As an academic I can assure anyone who may not know the research that Defies Measurement is entirely in line with our best knowledge and the people interviewed are top experts. Every American should watch this film -- period."
-Salvatore Babones, author of Sixteen for '16: A Progressive Agenda for a Better America

"The personal stories are effectively balanced by the presence of researchers and policy experts who put the Chipman story into the broader frame of American education. Alan Stotskopf traces the eugenic origins of standardized testing (with legacies that still play out in schools, sometimes in ways educators may not even recognize). Linda Darling-Hammond discusses the limitations of test data to draw conclusions about students and schools, especially when used for international comparisons. David Berliner, Diane Ravitch, David Kirp, Julian Vasquez-Heilig, Howard Gardner, Mark Naison, Tony Wagner, and Alfie Kohn all make appearances to discuss the misuses of testing and test data, the flawed assumptions in reform policies, and the dramatic shift of money and power towards private entities seeing public education as a marketplace. Education bloggers and activists are also well represented, with Anthony Cody, Mercedes Schneider, and Karran Harper-Royal discussing the disempowerment of local schools and communities under current education refrom models. Make some time to watch Defies Measurement."
- David B. Cohen, Contributor to EdWeek Teacher Blog

"This is such a powerful, "must see" film!"
-Joia Jones

“It is the best amalgamation I’ve seen of all the reasons why equity, not “test-taking-excellence” should be our goal for education in America. Supporting all children and families would be a huge first step.”
-Susan Keeney

“I just sat down and watched Defies Measurement in its entirety. What an impressive work…this is a must see for anyone who cares about kids and public education. I was particularly impressed with the repeated admonition that we must focus on citizenship. We know tests scores and test prep will not make our children productive citizens! Thank you, Shannon.”
-Linda Allen

 "The film IS stunning… Tony, Diane, Mercedes, et al: Thank you! Please anyone and everyone, view this film and spread it like WILDFIRE to everyone you know and love. . . . .This film is a gift, an energizer, a motivator, a source of inspiration, a muse, and most of all, it is SATURATED and DRIPPING with the TRUTH!”
-Robert Rendo, Public School Teacher

"Powerfully accurate!!"
-Donna Allen-Krug

"I applaud your efforts to convey the tremendous possibilities and opportunities to add experiential learning in the classroom as evidenced by the Chipman Model. In addition, you also illustrated the investment made by the teachers and administrators. It counters the current vitriol of many "reformers" about teachers. You were also able to show an outcome that many are concerned about - the charter school alternative. Thank you for your perseverance in bringing this story to us."
-Elizabeth Smith, Executive Director SEOCNJ


"I sat and watched the entire movie just now, in one sitting. Defies Measurement defies words. It is a power-packed, one-hour, brilliantly done, tour de force. I've shared it widely, as per my "promise" on the download page. Thank you for making this available for all to view."
-Deborah Abramson Brooks Wsm

“By far, the most important film I've viewed on education since getting involved 3 years ago in Common Core research. Anyone supporting Common Core/PARCC after seeing this is hopeless. Our children deserve better than this national disgrace mandated by the federal government.”
-Carol Dufrene

 “Parents/guardians, please watch this film NOW.”
-Joe D’Andrea

 “This is a marvelous film!!! Watch it! Talk about it! Share it. That which is essential is invisible to the eye. That which is essential is invisible to the test!”
-Tom Casper

 "I just watched this film and it should be required viewing for every parent, teacher, administrator and politician in this country! I am the parent of an eighth grader and a sixth grader who both attend a public Montessori school (and I couldn't be more grateful for that!). Although Chipman was not a Montessori school, it very well could have been. Experiential learning is so much more valuable than any standardized test could ever be...Thank you!!!”
-Pam Hricik

"I just watched the film. You did a tremendous job cutting through the haze. I will be using it in my educational leadership classes."
-Greg Geer, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Coastal Carolina University

"I just watched the Defies Measurement movie. Thank you for this cogent and moving report on the "reform" movement in education."
-Sue Monaco

"Thank you for telling this story. You did not avoid the complexity of the issues; you also reminded us of the simplicity of some of the solutions."
-Karen Raudenbush
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shineonprofilms@gmail.com


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