Moriah Alston W/R: 1 (TA: 1) COMM231 0201 Apr.

22 2013

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Moriah Alston Apr. 15 University Relations malston@terpmail.umd.edu (856)-904-7239

SEO: F. ALLAN HANSON REFUTES TESTING PROFESSOR GIVES LOW GRADE TO AMERICAN TESTING University of Maryland professor, F. Allan Hanson has written a new book that challenges the current state of assessments in America. He recommends that most testing be eliminated. Today, it is easy to feel like half our lives are spent taking tests, whether they be for educational, health or integrity purposes F. Allan Hanson, professor of anthropology at the University of Maryland, has written a new book, "Testing Testing: Social Consequences of the Examined Life," about American society's addiction to testing. In the book he recommends eliminating most drug, integrity, aptitude and intelligence tests. "People are examined and evaluated less for qualifications or knowledge they already possess than for what the test results can predict about future actions or potential behavior," Hanson says.

Hanson identifies the worst test as the lie detector. He views it as an invasion of privacy with often unreliable results. He also says aptitude tests can create life long labels for young children. Hanson does recommend continuing with drug testing only when someone is suspected of drug use or random tests given to athletes. This innovative new book could result in a major renovation in the current procedures of of assessment for children and adults alike. Hansons book, "Testing Testing: Social Consequences of the Examined Life" is available at local bookstores or by contacting Denise Cicourel at the University of California Press.

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TO: ROB GIFFORD, DIAMONDBACK DIVERSIONS EDITOR FROM: MORIAH ALSTON, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR SUBJECT: PROFESSOR'S CONTROVERSIAL NEW BOOK Hello Mr. Gifford, Recently, F. Allan Hanson, professor of antropology at the University of Maryland, has written a book that recommends that almost all forms of testing be eliminated. The book is titled: "Testing Testing: Social Consequences of the Examined Life." I have attached the university press release below. To speak with Hanson about his new book please contact me at (856)-904-7239 or malston@terpmail.umd.edu Other Possible Interviews: Office of Undergraduate Admissions Mitchell Building College Park, MD (301)-314-8385 um-admit@umd.edu Angle: See how the admissions department views eliminating testing such as the SAT and ACT Paul Shackel Professor & Department Chair, Department of Anthropology pshackel@umd.edu Angle: See what the Antropology Department thinks of Hanson's new book. A/V or Photo Opportunities Charlie DeBoyace Diamondback Photography Editor cdeboyace@gmail.com -Angle: Take photos Professor Hanson, students taking tests and the new book For follow up or more information please feel free to contact me with the information provided below. Moriah Alston University Relations Coordinator (856)-904-7239 malston@terpmail.umd.edu ###