I do not believe in standardized testing. Many teachers are forced to teach to the test and miss out on educating students on so many other topics. It also detracts from letting student interest guide learning. While certain topics and certain standards must be taught, I think students should also be allowed to guide some of the learning. However, teachers are on deadlines so it prevents them from getting off topic even a little. Also because they keep raising what children should know at each grade I think we are putting too much pressure on kids and expecting so much more when children get to kindergarten. My sister teaches high school and they are now seeing some negative results from teaching to the standardized test because the way the kids were taught to answer questions on that test is not what is expected when they take the ACT or SAT so the kids are failing those tests and are having to learn a whole new way to write to pass the tests for college. It is very stressful for the kids and the teachers.
I read about testing in Russia and found that in recent years they have started using standardized testing similar to U.S.'s SATs to determine graduation and entering college. According to an article in the New York Times, many people were upset about the transition and did not feel it was the best choice to replace their old system (Kishkovsky, 2011). Officials stated that the new test is all done on computer and graded by the computer so it would eliminate the bribery that was taking place by students so teachers would give them good grades (Kishkovsky, 2011).
Unfortunately while I don't believe standardized testing is the best option, I am unsure what a better option really is. Every child learns differently and understands information differently so how do you judge children fairly? I'm not sure what or if there is a correct answer to this.
Reference:
Kishkovsky, S. (2011, February 6). U.S.-style college exams take hold in Russia. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/education/07iht-educSide07.html?_r=0
That is very interesting about high school students having a hard time in preparing for the SAT testing dues to the fact that the testing systems or styles are different. I would have never expected that. I do not agree with the standardized testing at all because their are so many negative aspects of this form of testing. I think the kids are dealing with added unnecessary stress that can be avoided.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennie
ReplyDeleteThis is true, and very interesting. I like the point you bring up that teachers are busy and sometimes so caught up they are not teaching right so the students can learn.
Hi Jennie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post. I have helped proctor the testing at my children's schools many times. I have seen teachers pass out, through up and crying because they are in fear that their students won't pass. I can't even imagine the pressure and stress this puts on the students.