Case
Tested to Death?

Over the last two decades, test-based school accountability has gone from a largely theoretical concept to a guiding principle. That shift has prompted widespread complaints that teaching to the test has become rampant and the curriculum has become unduly narrow. But do those complaints have real merit? Are students tested too much? And with the proliferation of tests, are students learning less of what they really need? If you could change one thing about the way students are tested, what would it be?

Posted on: 08/18/14 | Views: 793
Solution #1
If I could change one thing about testing it would definitely be the quantity of tests that students have to take. I feel that students do have to take too many assessments. Because of all the testing, I do feel that teachers are not allowed to truly teach any more. I would also change the way we assess. I would allow students to be assessed in a variety of methods. Assessments should be aligned to the student's learning style. If we are serious about students being successful, then the assessments should be given a manner that addresses the student's learning style.

I agree. I have seen students that know the material but have test anxiety and fail the assessments.

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Solution #2
I would change how students are "tested". Although the standardized assessment is the easiest to give and score, it is not always the best for students. There are many students who do fine throughout the year but struggle to pass end of year tests. If we, as educators, are expected to differentiate our teaching, why shouldn't we differentiate our assessments as well?
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Solution #3
It does seem that students are tested a lot. It would be good to look into the lives of students. While monitoring their progress, see if what they are being tested on has truly made a positive impact on their future studies and activities.
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