Much of Chapter 6 of Ayers To Teach focuses on the controversial topic of standardized testing and authentic assessment. As stated by Ayers, “standardized tests hold teacher and schools accountable to only a few of their many goals”. There is a lot of criticism toward standardized testing, but I do not believe standardized tests are inherently bad, nor do I believe that the subjects that the students are tested on during these tests are unimportant. Nonetheless, the range of information and knowledge that is covered and discovered using standardized testing is extremely narrow. Standardized tests fail to consider personalized situations and differences that may affect how a person answers a particular question. These tests are often designed in a way where only one very precise answer would be considered correct. Often, the marks on these tests are given to those whom answered the questions in the way the question was expected to be answered, which is not always reflective of a person’s ability or actual achievement level. Are we able to deem such a narrow range of content reflective of the knowledge and learning success of an individual? Are we able to say that standardized tests are an authentic assessment that is reflective of the value that each individual brings to the classroom? Is the format of standardized testing really the most representative of a person’s understanding and achievement of course and level expectations?
The discussion around standardized testing then leads to further discussion around the importance or role in a teacher’s portfolio in the classroom. Although some are against standardized tests, or large tests in general, using a portfolio can be extremely helpful in a) having a thorough and complete collection and account of each student’s work and b) help remove some pressure off of the larger cumulating tasks that are often used in traditional classrooms. Different and many forms of assessments can help students present their knowledge in more meaningful ways and teachers can use the assessments to get a clear understanding of each individual’s strengths and struggles. Also, in a more personal setting, teachers are able to take a more holistic approach to assessment, taking into consideration all aspects that may affect each student’s way of approaching a particular problem or learning expectation. In the end, I think a balance between numerous individualized and differentiated assessments in combination with standardized testing is the most complete way students are able to demonstrate their knowledge through assessment.
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January 2017
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