61.   But for the first time, he claims, sociologists can begin to understand why standardized test scores in math and verbal skills fall as families expand.

62.   But he and others have begun raising questions about the use of high-stakes standardized tests when measuring educational progress.

63.   But its poll also found that most people thought grades and teacher evaluations were better guides to promotion than standardized tests.

64.   But it is the open-ended questions, those requiring students to demonstrate their analytical abilities, that state officials contend distinguish the MCAS from traditional standardized tests.

65.   But others question whether the state should take such drastic action largely based on scores on a relatively new state standardized test.

66.   But she said it is only a matter of time before standardized test scores start to climb.

67.   But one assumption behind the plan is that minority members often do not perform as well as white students on standardized tests.

68.   But she agreed with critics who said that the index should be based on criteria beyond one standardized test.

69.   But standardized tests are monstrously unfair to many kids.

70.   But standardized tests put her academic skills at a first- to second-grade level.