My son is in third grade, from the beginning of the new year (January 2011), he had brought home a packet that he has to do and turn it in that following Monday for Ohio assessment testing. I love the fact that his school does this, only because it allows the teachers to actually teach other things besides what is on the state test, it allows for the children to become prepared for the test without feeling overwhelmed.
I do not agree with standardized testing. I understand that children have to be assessed in order to know where they came from and for the teachers to see if their goals are being met, but testing like this is overwhelming, not only for the teachers, but for the students as well. A public school has many different backgrounds of students, most testing does not allow room for the different backgrounds of the students, which then only the perceived students will pass, allowing them to gain the most from education, and the others slip in between the cracks. The teachers are stressed because they have to teach for the test to those who do not understand which leaves the teacher’s little room to teach other things, for the children to become prepared for the next grade level. As well as the teacher’s pay being based on the testing scores. (Redell, 2010).
Like I stated, I understand that students have to be assessed, but there should be another way. Even if there is a test at the beginning of the year to understand where the children stand academically, and again at the end of the year in order to see if they reached their goals or to have an understanding on what they need to work on.
In Germany the education system is divided into three different sections, and tracks students from fifth grade. The first section is the Gymnasium, which provides an academic, university track education, the second is Realschule which provides a general vocational/technical education sometimes transferring to the Gymnasium, and the third is Hauptschule, which is a lower level vocational system. The parents and teachers determine where the students are places, not a test. (Rotberg, 2006).
I don’t know if I necessarily agree with this kind of education system either, but I do think that it is better than having a standardized test.
My sister worked in a Montessori school when she lived in Arizona, I love the idea of this type of schooling, it allows for children to learn at their own pace, expanding on subjects that they already know, and growing in subjects that they need practice on. It also allows for children to have an understanding of everyday life. When my sister taught at that school, the kids cooked, cleaned, planted, and many other varieties of everyday life, as well as learning the academics.
References:
Redell, Samantha . "High Stakes Testing: Our Children at Risk." Online Submission 0.1 (2010): 1-9. http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED513338.pdf. Web. 12 Feb. 2011.
Rotberg, Iris C.. "Assessment Around the World." Education Leadership 64.3 (2006): 58-63. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org. Web. 12 Feb. 2011.
I really enjoy and agree with your post. Missouri does not give a test at the beginning of the year. Our testing is in the spring. We spend the whole year preparing our students for it. Even at the kindergarten level, we are teaching to fill in bubbles on multiple choice and other test taking strategies. We know that it is not what's best for our students, but our jobs and district's accreditation depend on it. It is hard to believe that anyone ever believed in or supported No Child Left Behind, which is the reason for the stress on testing. It is just as hard to believe that it has not been disbanded yet!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting information about education in Germany. While it may not be perfect, it certainly seems preferable to what is happening in American education.
From what I have seen in Montessori schools, they are wonderful for those who are fortunate enough to be able to afford it. Does this type of education extend through high school? I have only heard of Montessori preschools and elementary. If not, wonder how these children adapt to a more traditional style.
Hi Chelsia. You make an interesting argument against standardized testing. You may have even changed my mind a bit about it. I do agree like you that some type of assessment needs to be conducted to monitor the progress and needs of children. However, like you stated, standardized testing my not be the answer. In my post I noted that the biggest complaint I have about testing is its accuracy. Since no child it is identical, the accuracy of standardized tests are questionable. Sadly, standardized testing do not take into consideration the unique needs and differences of every child. Excellent point. Mary
ReplyDeleteHello, I am delighted to see I am not the only one who doesn’t like standardized test. These tests cause so much anxiety in children. There are so many other ways that children can be assessed. Educators need to test how children learn best, this way they can cater more to each students learning styles ensuring they get the best education possible. I pray the education system changes soon, our poor babies!
ReplyDeleteChelsea, I loved your post. I agree with you--I am not a fan of standardized testing. I feel that we oftentimes lose the essence and value of education due to testing. We are concerned with numbers and not what children are learning!
ReplyDeleteGREAT post!!