Comments on: Standardized Tests: Credible or Completely Unfair? http://blog.jumpstart.com/2008/12/30/standardized-tests-credible-or-completely-unfair/ Tips, Tricks and Tales From the Brand Trusted By 30 Million Parents Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:14:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Standardized Testing http://blog.jumpstart.com/2008/12/30/standardized-tests-credible-or-completely-unfair/#comment-3398 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:38:35 +0000 http://blog.jumpstart.com/2008/12/11/standardized-tests-credible-or-completely-unfair/#comment-3398 Sorry about the boo boo in my previous response.

I wrote:
…and inherently engaging.

It should read:
…and are inherently engaging.

]]> By: Standardized Testing http://blog.jumpstart.com/2008/12/30/standardized-tests-credible-or-completely-unfair/#comment-3397 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:35:06 +0000 http://blog.jumpstart.com/2008/12/11/standardized-tests-credible-or-completely-unfair/#comment-3397 Standardized testing, like the STAR, is unfair to students and teachers. These tests assess children using limited modalities and discriminate against visual, tactile, and auditory learners. One test does not reflect a child’s capabilities and talents. Further, these tests discriminate against second language speakers, students with learning disabilities, and put labels on children that stay with them throughout their schooling and beyond. Children should have the opportunity to be assessed using a variety of modalities, such as verbal, short written responses, end of unit projects, etc. As for teachers, testing pressure leads to cramming information into students, much of which is developmentally inappropriate for their age. There is little time for review, and teachers struggle to find the time to engage children in real learning experiences that involve exploration, collaboration, and inherently engaging. An over emphasis on standardized test preparation doesn’t teach children to become effective problem-solvers and thinkers.

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