It seems each year we do more and more assessment. Pretests, post-tests, end of unit tests, benchmark test, MAP tests and we can't forget the almighty PASS test. And then try to keep up with standards based, norm referenced, criterion referenced, percentiles, it becomes a nightmare. It makes me wonder, are we really getting enough instruction time to even need this much assessment?
Assessment of course is necessary and when done correctly with reliable tests can give us great information. Diagnostic tests are of course needed when a student is struggling to help us find the student's weak areas and decide how we can best serve this child. I consider the DRAs I give in my room each year to be a type of diagnostic in deterimining the student's reading level. We also need assessments to determine whether students have mastered what we taught and to help reflect on our instruction. I also like the MAP testing we do. It is time consuming and that part I don't like, but the information we gain is so valuable. The best part about MAP is that it takes the student where they are and raises or lowers the question level depending on how they are doing with their answers. Students cannot copy because they are not taking the same test. But the best part is being able to the the growth. Very often we have students in our class that are way below grade level. When these students are made to take benchmarks and PASS on grade level it is a complete waste of time and worse it is so defeating to them. We gain nothing from these results and in my opinion students are hurt. With MAP they go in and usually bring their scores up. They can still be below where they need to be, but they have made progress and that's what we look at and celebrate.
This chapter also talked about preparing students for testing as well as individual needs and accomodations. I try to prepare all of my students for any test they are taking by telling them we have worked hard and I am not at all worried about this test and how they will do as long as I know they are going to try their best and use the test taking strategies that we talk about and practice all year. I know I wouldn't want my own child to be upset and nervous over a test and I don't want my students to be either. Also, I know they will do a better job if they are relaxed. Accomodations are great for those who need it, but when we have tests such as our districts benchmark tests that are almost always worded poorly or are written on a higher reading level than the child's grade level you just are not going to get a true picture of the student's ability.
Assessment like so many things in our educational system in my opinion needs an overhaul.
I too like the MAP testing program. It gives the teacher an individualized plan of instruction for each student. One of the best things is the scores are immediate. We use Compass Learning, an interactive prescription based learning program, that directly addresses each child's unique needs. Our school has seen wonderful benefits with this program.
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