How the Test Was Won

Earlier this month, The Simpson's weighed in on the issue of high-stakes assessment with their episode, "How The Test Was Won."

This episode opens with Homer and Marge celebrating with champagne and New Years party hats. 3...2...1...Happy New Year of school !

Bart and Lisa wander into the kitchen wondering what's going on.

Marge: "It's the first day of school!"

Homer: "You're the government's problem now!"



The plot involves Springfield Elementary school's nefarious plans to game the high-stakes "Vice President's Assessment Test" by manipulating which students -- the Barts or Lisas -- take the test.

Bart is informed that he and a select group of students have received perfect scores on a practice test for the upcoming Vice President’s Assessment Test and are sent off to receive a prize.

Meanwhile, Lisa gets brain lock over a poorly written test question.

Hat tip to Russo.