Testing for Intelligence
I feel that there needs to be set standards to check how a child is progressing academically. Using standardized testing can help educators identify problems with children’s progress academically. This will help children that need help in certain areas be identified and get remediation where it is needed. However, I don’t feel that standardized testing is the only way to measure the intelligence of children. Other tools such as teacher observations should also play a part in how children’s intelligence is measured. The need for school systems to do well on these standardized tests makes some students feel pressured to do well. This puts unneeded stress on children and teachers. I feel that these standardized tests focus solely on academic progress and leave out areas that need to be focused on such as how to improve students’ learning overall. Standardized testing is not helping teachers to focus on making sure each of their students is receiving the best education suited for the child’s needs. These tests cause teachers to focus on keeping their jobs in many school systems. I think that standardized testing has benefits but that improving students learning needs to be our number one focus.
Education and Assessment in China
Testing and exams are a majority of China’s tools used to monitor children’s academic progress. These tests are sometimes the only tool that is looked at to promote children to higher grades. Some assessments frequently used in China are term-end tests, year-end tests, and even primary education graduation exams. A literacy assessment is also given.
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I agree with you that the standardized tests do not address all necessary aspects of learning. However all funding is linked to the standardized test scores so until that link is destroyed, I think the focus will continue to be test scores.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of using observations to assess children;s progress and development. This has always been my biggest source of learning where the children are in their learning. Linking observations and basic screenings such as the Brigance, can provide the big picture of development.
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