It’s Time To Assess Assessments
Tests, assessments, and evaluations are hot topics in education right now, and rightfully so because they happen constantly.
How much testing is too much testing? That’s a difficult question to answer. However, most educators would agree that students are currently being tested or assessed way too much. With continued state-driven assessments given throughout the year, in addition to curriculum map tests and, of course, the grand finale statewide test in the Spring, students are often being taught according to the test. They would have to be, because they are persistently assessed.
There’s little room for whole learning to take place. Additionally, there’s little time for retention and application because educators are held to a standard of teaching, testing, move on. This method is not working, and that’s proven in the data, as last year’s U.S. report card showed the average test scores of 13-year-olds have dipped in reading and dropped sharply in math since 2020, according to new data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Additionally, the average scores from tests given last fall declined by 4 points in reading and 9 points in math, compared with tests given in the 2019-2020 school year, and are the lowest in decades. The declines in reading were more pronounced for lower-performing students but dropped across all percentiles. The math scores? Even lower. On a scale of 500 points, the declines ranged from 6 to 8 for middle and high-performing students to 12 to 14 for low-performing students.
Is testing necessary? Yes. And not all assessments are bad. Some are very much needed because data is required to measure student success. How else can academic growth or lack thereof be measured and intervention be determined? Data is necessary, and it is typically gathered through testing. However, there are many ways to assess a student, and there is massive room for growth and opportunity for everyone.
For educators, there are ways to assess student learning without them realizing it. This can be done through an interview or a discussion. Projects and portfolios are also great ways to test and apply knowledge. Different assessment methods are essential because students learn differently; why wouldn’t they test differently, too? One student might execute a detailed essay displaying everything they’ve learned yet fail a multiple-choice test. By only giving standardized assessments, we’re short-changing students and their teachers.
Assessment is undoubtedly necessary, but so are autonomy, creativity, and growth. Combined, these things will create a healthier, more effective education and assessment experience for educators and students.
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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