This week our blog topic is to discuss what a child should be tested in order to view the whole child. I believe standardize test should not be done at all. I believe in most cases, these tests over look and hurt kids who learn differently or who are just nervous test takes. I do however believe it is important to know where a child stands. So instead, I think each teacher should be given a list of things they should test for then the teacher should make the test for each class according to the classes need. This way it can be shown what the children are learning. I think at that point however, that the only thing that the information that is acquired from the test is what needs to be taught more thoroughly. I always get mad when I watch the news and one state or area is compared to another due to testing scores. Everyone learns different and that’s okay, the only important thing is that they learn. I also understand that the test creates accountability for the teacher and I see the importance of this. But I believe there are better ways to hold the teacher accountable without judging a child’s learning ability.
But enough about my thoughts. America is moving towards more and more standardized test, but other countries are moving away from the idea. Asian countries for example are pulling away from these types of tests because it kills creativity. I could not find a whole lot of information other then it is believed in these countries that you cannot test for creativity, and because of this they believe standardized test cause kids to not be as creative. I choose to research this area because I too value creativity. My undergrad was in technical theatre, so I have worked with many people who are pure creative geniuses but test horribly and I have seen the negative affect this has had on their confidence.
I agree with you about state to state comparisons. Standardized tests vary between states and the proficiency level of one state may be basic in another state. If states are going to be compared, there should be national standards or assessments required so all states can be held to the same standard.
ReplyDeleteThe education system for the United States as a whole is also compared to other countries. Our children usually test weaker than other foreign countries. Do you have an opinion on how we as teachers can improve our classrooms in order to achieve better results either through testing scores or overall classroom performance?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the notion that children shouldn't be tested. Our education system has become watered down and it is killing our productiveness as Americans. We are teaching to the test and once the children get out of school, they don't remember anything. How is testing beneficial is it is dumbing down our children?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Having children complete standardized tests only tells us whether or not they were able to retain information that they have been taught. It doesn't say anything about how they are developing. We need to focus more on the their individual needs rather than completing tests to satisfy some political agenda.
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