Standardized test is a form of testing that rates the general knowledge of each child in a particular region. This form of testing is an excellent way of seeing how a student is comprehended. This is important because it allows the districts to see what needs to be changed in the state standard. This also allows the teacher to see the areas needing more focusing on. Also this allows the child that is excelling in all classes to be recommended for higher level work or even get promoted to the next grade level. I think it would be great to come up with a form of testing or assessment that could measure the maturity level of children. This would be very valuable. I have seen many times where a child in academically smart enough to go to the next grade but there maturity levels make it hard for the new transition. This would be a great assessments used for the beginning of the school year to understand what life skills need to be taught throughout that year for the future transition to the next grade level. This would allow the child to be mature and academically ready for the next grade level. In the wikkipedia it discusses the first standardized test that was taken in China. Testing is a very effective way of assessing growth and potential from each child. This tactic is used world wide.
Reference:
Standardized Testing. Wikipedia. Retrieved on December 10, 2011. http://wikipedia.org
I agree with you that sometimes children maturity and social readiness make it tough for them to move grades when they are not ready. This is why I think it is important to develop a way to measure this or develop ways to incorporate teacher observations into testing. I researched China also for my country and found it fascinating at the amount of testing they do to make sure children are ready to move ahead.
ReplyDeleteHey McKenzie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. Children need testing so that can be placed in the appropriate educational settings. For example, if a child is going to the 8th grade and takes the SAT test and does not score high in the math area, then in our school district the child will be placed in pre-Algebra, rather than Algebra I. I also agree with you how maturity and social readiness impact a child in their transition from grade to grade.
Thanks for sharing McKenzie, and I appologize for being late responding to your post. I agree with you on the value of standardized test but do u think that only testing children is the only way of finding out if they are ready to progress?
ReplyDeleteMcKenzie,
ReplyDeleteI would like to take this time to thank you for your comments, discussion and input during this class. You have always had thoughtful comments and have always added your own perspective to the topic. I wish you much success in the future and I hope we cross paths again through Walden. Good luck! ~Rachel