Standardized tests, such as the SAT, are used by schools as a predictor of a student's future success. Is this a valid use of these tests?
. I agree with Grant Wiggins in that these tests have a very narrow focus and purpose. They are just trying to find out if you learned the material that you were taught in school. They are not predictors of future performance or success. These are just tests, and testing is a small part of the picture of what a successful student is. We all know smart college students who fail out in the first semester because they didn't have the study skills or work habits that are also needed to succeed in college.Why is it important that teachers consider assessment before they begin planning lessons or projects?
When designing a good lesson you need to think about what you're trying to accomplish and create a combination of the content and instructional methods, as well as the assessments. You need to consider the assessments before you begin to plan you lessons. "What are you going to assess? What's the evidence of the goals you have in mind? If the kids achieve the objective, what is that going to look like? This goes back to your lesson design and knowing what activities and teaching moves will get you there.Beyond the Article:
Being a SpEd teacher requires constant data collection for each goal a student has. Assessment is an on-going part of my day. All of my data collection sheets are on my iPad and at my fingertips throughout the day. I try to make them as user-friendly as possible, so that it only takes me a few minutes, in between groups, to jot down information. I make sure that I use different methods of assessment (both formal and informal) from verbal responses (in person or on iPad), to written (on paper or on-iPad), collaborative/groups, project-based, games, etc.
What resonated most with me was the difference between Testing and Assessment. That thoughtful assessment is is critical to the learning process. It's essential to evaluate whether the educational goals and standards of the lessons are being met. Assessment should look at the whole child. Tests are only a small part of the assessment portfolio. They only look for the knowledge and skills for an individual student. Tests don't predict future performance or success.