Notebook: Standardized Tests

[zadeh79]

I can tell you that standardized tests do not measure what they intend to. I've always tested poorly, yet I made a 4.0 in college, and I've always done well on the job.

[51Rainy]

White teachers have been cheating for years to help white students past these standardized tests. It's easy to do. They get copies of the tests and teach what's on them, that's all. Blacks teachers joined them in the cheat later. They ALL cheat! We're kidding ourselves if we think they don't. One day, it will all come out in the light.

[Chigokai1080]

"Standardised test can't measure initiative, creativity, imagination, conceptual thinking, curiosity, effort, irony, judgement, commitment, nuance, good will, ethical reflection or a host of other valuable dispositions and attributes. What they can measure and count are isolated skills, specific facts and function, content knowledge. The least interesting and least significant aspect of learning"

Bill Ayers.

[zadeh79]

@Chigokai1080 Agreed. Standardized Test are just one gigantic assumption.

[IceAges14Aces]

@zadeh79 Standardized tests, as well as tests in academia, are horrendously biased for a number of justifiable reasons: 1) the possibility of cheating has not been completely eliminated 2) studies show teacher's expectations/faith can affect students' score in the tests/grades and most importantly, there are many factors that can affect students' score in test. These tests seriously need to be modified and I just hate the fact that parents put faith in these tests without questioning it......

[zadeh79]

@IceAges14Aces They are also seriously biased against people with high 'fluid' intelligence.

[IceAges14Aces]

@zadeh79 Really??? That's something new..... Hey, do you think it's possible that if a teacher doesn't like a student, the teacher can affect his/her grades?

Just a thought.........

[zadeh79]

@IceAges14Aces Yes,more recent studies have shown fluid intelligence can increase significantly with intensive WM training.These effects are temporary, but long standing. Certain intellectual processes, in fact, emulate WM training tasks. (it may even be the case, that certain individuals are psychologically 'wired', to boost their fluid intelligence). There are two studies that stand out, which support this, and have received much attention. (Clancy Blair, Suzanne Jaeggi, and a Chinese study)

[tribalfriend1]

When kids do poorly, then they put them in special ed, classes. This way the teachers are not blamed. Then the child gets special treatment, he gets to ride a school bus for special needs.  The maturity level has changed. That is why children do poorly. They are totally not interested in the subjects taught. Teachers are not to be blamed for this.

[007Fortis]

Just because you did well on a test doesn't mean you're going to be successful in life. They should get rid of these tests all it proves is how well the teacher is teaching.

[sxcboy4u]

hang on schools that are not doing well lose funding shouldnt the government try and help thos schools funding differnt aproches to teach their kids

[ohgoodjoy]

This is true. Also, how is bubbling in scantrons going to measure our future success? Sure, it's great to know who wrote the Star Spangled Banner, but is the really going to help us in life?

[polkadotbox2]

One size does not fit all.

I am a veteran teacher and can testify to the flaws of standardized testing. As long as schools across the country are not funded equally (even if not adequately), above norm learning outcome remains unattainable.

The schools with superior resources will always produce higher student achievement. Nothing from nothing. It doesn't matter what goverment mandates are expecting. One can not build an atom bomb with gun powder.

[Fellowdc2007]

Who cares what she thinks??

[fjguajardo]

katie should take a more active role in this. she's right but can do more.

[cobrien1977]

katy's liberal colors are shining bright! one word: GLOBALIZATION?? our math standardized test are a JOKE compared to india, china, etc, so just junk them for art??? come on katy..get your head out of the sand...ford just cut 50,000 jobs due to globalization, it'll be 200,000 soon...

[Brazdolph]

you´re absolutely right

[UNCHeelz20]

GO KATIE!

[rikimaru312]

wow