Standardized Testing

TJ Squillo

MEDIATION

Issue

• “No Child Left Behind” Act

• Public Schools in all states began testing. (Grades 3-8)

• Regulation over federal and local tax dollars.

Pros

• Evaluating and comparing students and schools.

• Helps place students in higher learning.

• Funding for schools that perform well.

Cons

• Testing is not an accurate way to assess a student.

• Limits curriculum

• Unfair distribution of funding.

• Many kids suffer from test anxiety.

Mediation

Need a better way to evaluate schools.

Multiple choice tests do not assess a student accurately.

Techniques for evaluation:

• Observational Checklists – Done by teacher and student to evaluate performance and what each has learned.

• Real work assessments – Assessment through essays, projects, and class discussion is a more accurate depiction of a student’s learning.

These techniques combined with the standardized test can give a more accurate evaluation.

Support schools who struggle.

Conclusion

• We need the information but a better way to get it.

• Checklists and assessments will be done at the end of each year to assure accurate information.

• Participation and projects stress creativity which is essential in a young student’s progression.

Sources

"How Standardized Testing Damages Education." The National Center for Fair & Open Testing. 20 Aug. 2007. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. <http://www.fairtest.org/facts/howharm.htm>.

Kohn, Alfie. "Standardized Testing and Its Victims." Education Week. 27 Sept. 2000. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. <http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/edweek/staiv.htm>.

“Standardized Tests - ProCon.org." ProCon.org. 13 Mar. 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. <http://standardizedtests.procon.org/>.

West, Martin R., and Paul E. Peterson. "No Child Left Behind." Education Week. Jan. 2003. Web. 01 Apr. 2012. <http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/no-child-left-behind/>.