Tis the season for…standardized testing. Nationwide, schools are preparing for their state assessments, as teachers and students have been preparing all year for these tests. This preparation involves a rigorous review of the curriculum, practice tests, and targeted interventions for students who may be struggling. Spring isn’t the only thing in the air, as educators and students have a high-stress level due to the culmination of these efforts.
As educators, parents, and stakeholders in the education system, your role is crucial in shaping the future of our students. Many of you may wonder about the necessity of standardized tests or if there are alternative options. These are valid questions that we will explore together. Let’s delve into the basics of standardized testing:
What You Should Know About Standardized Testing in Schools
Standardized tests are a tool that schools across the nation use to help teachers and administrators make decisions about best practices and instruction for thesis students. They provide data and a measuring stick, so to speak, for the student as an individual, classrooms, and overall school performance. The results enable educators and administrators to understand any gains and gaps in their performance.
It’s important to remember that different tests serve different purposes. For instance, standardized achievement tests measure how much students have already learned about a school subject. The results from these tests can help teachers develop programs that suit students’ achievement levels in each subject area. This flexibility allows educators to adapt their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student.
Aptitude tests measure students’ abilities to learn well and how they will likely do in future school work. These tests can measure verbal ability, mechanical ability, creativity, clerical ability, or abstract reasoning. The results from aptitude tests help teachers plan instruction appropriate for the student’s levels. Aptitude tests also report students’ progress and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Every Student Is More Than a Test Score
Tests are just one part of a student’s abilities. Schools understand the importance of looking at the big picture because every student is unique. They also have talents and strengths that can’t be tested or scored. Educators combine the results of standardized tests with many other methods to comprehensively understand every child’s skillset and abilities, ensuring that each student’s individuality is valued and nurtured.
Returning to the basics of observing students in the classroom, evaluating their day-to-day classwork, and communicating with their parents and guardians also go a long way toward improving student performance.
Testing, Testing…
Remember that standardized tests have limitations. They are not a perfect measure of what individual students can or cannot do or everything they have learned or will learn. Also, remember that it is not uncommon for students to score differently on the same test; so many variables are at play. Tests are simply a snapshot of data used to identify growth areas and areas where improvement is needed.
So, this testing season, be sure to remember educators and their students. Reach out and express your appreciation and confidence in both parties. We must not forget that educators and students are so much more than test scores and that standardized testing is not the be-all and end-all of education, and it never was meant to be.
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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