To test or not to test that is the question. Society says testing is important, but personally I think we would focus on the whole child and meeting the needs of children we would need to test far less. Standardized tests focuses just one aspect of the child it does not test all aspects of the child. All children have different strengths and a standardized test is not going to tell the entire story about a child. My daughter Lauren is not a good standardized test taker, but she is an amazing creative writer. Unfortunately, there is not a standardized test available that would have ever discovered that quality.
The country I chose to write about is Venezuela and their school system basically two tracks they have a college bound or vocation bound education track and it begins in middle school. My husband reported that he remembers going into fifth grade and making the decision that he was going the college bound track so from fifth grade on he took primarily math and science coursework with a limited number of humanities. That was so surprising to me that as young as fifth grade you are making decisions about your future. I would guess that probably is truly based on the your parents goals for your future instead of the child.
I think that instead of getting children ready for tests it is more important for schools to get ready for children. I also think that schools need to be focusing on meeting the individual needs of the child no matter the age. If teachers focused on meeting the individual needs of children our children would be accomplishing amazing things.
That is interesting that in fifth grade a child is preparing for the rest of their life, and I can only imagine the struggle of not wanting to be what your family thinks you should be. But I do agree with you that standardized test are not helping our future generations.
ReplyDeleteHello Jill,
ReplyDeleteIf educators could appreciate children’s aptitude in using and producing language and ideas such as playing with a quote by Shakespeare, they would have a better notion of students’ maturity, creativity, and understanding of the material they teach. I love your title “To Test or Not to Test” because, and before considering students’ feelings, my pet peeve has always been writing tests and correcting them. When I was in middle and high school, I remember thinking how ridiculous it was to review so much for tests when so little was retained. I very much agree with you that “it is important for schools to get ready for children”. With this goal in mind, administrations and educators need to work together and decide to adopt a novel way of assessing students: this requires a team effort because it entails schools’ culture.
Hi Jill!!!
ReplyDeleteI had to bounce boards to see what your thoughts were on this. I know we have had many of the same train of thoughts throughout our last class. I was smiling when I read your post. I as well cant do a standardized test so I really feel for your daughter. I got a 16 on my ACT's. Yet here I am with two associate, two bachelor degrees, and working on my masters, then headed for my Ph.D. I think they are a joke and should not be used to determine someones success and knowledge. Obviously it was not an indicator for my success.
Melanie
Jill,
ReplyDeleteI think you are correct. there has to be something or some way that the system can appreciate the individuality of students and support their individual areas of expertise. We waste and lose so much talent because of our inability to see the gifts of children that can not be tested.
Leslie
Jill,
ReplyDeleteYes that is the question, to test or not to test. What actually does the test prove? Are all children the same? We know the answers to those questions. What's even more interesting is the fact that the test are standardized as if to say that the children are all of the same standard. Thank you for sharing.
Brenda Palmer-Assian
Jill
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for all your support in this class. I have really enjoyed your discussion posts and your comments and have appreciated being able to pick up the phone and talk to you regarding assignments!! I hope we continue to have the same classes as I really enjoy your friendship and the knowledge you bring and share in class.
Leslie