Why Should We Test?

TESTING is the seven letter word that gives most people butterflies in their stomach. The traditional standardized testing is outdated. What can we really learn from these test? The test does not give enough insight on how a child thinks or what kind of social emotional skills they have.
We gave a writing test to our kindergarten students last week. As I walked around the room I could see panic on some of the students face. A few students were able to write a few site words but without enough clarity. What do you think we did with this test? Well, the lesson plans were revised to add more sentence structure and an opportunity for the child during centers to play with games that will strengthen those skills that were lacking. Is this the norm for all kindergarten classes? I am not sure but in my class we are dedicated to providing our students with the utmost learning environment we can offer. The students learn the necessary academic skills with lots of fun games and activities interchanged together. It is fun, academic, games and crafts are rolled into one. The reward is seeing that big smile on the students face when their little light bulb shines bright.

In Australia they recently established the Australian Curriculum Assessment and reporting Authority (ACARA). Most Australian jurisdictions take student based examination  at the end of year twelve. Australia participates in International testing with a sample of 15 year old students every three years. A sample of students ages 4 and 6 take the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) every four years. To ensure that student achievement is measured adequately they focus on assessment for learning, assessment as learning, assessment of learning. Australia is focusing on improving their class room education everyday as every other school system is and should be.

Queensland Studies Authority, 2009, P–12 Assessment Policy, QSA, Brisbane.