Standerized testing?

[tater03]

I was just wondering what everyone thought about the standerized testing in our schools? My son has not started these yet. But I am curious on the over all opionion of people that have children and they have takin them? Thanks

[LilOne1989]

From what I have seen these test do more harm than good. I was so happy when I found out that when I started homeschooling my kids that we had an option that would do away with testing all together. It is the option that I took with my kids. They have never been tested since this foolishness started and if I have my way they never will.

[DJDizzy1]

They don't measure progress, they in no way reflect how much knowledge your children have learned or what their potential is. I am not a fan of standarized testing. I think the name says it all "standarized". Children are different I think judging them all on the same system limits them. IMHO the only thing the test is good at measuring is how good kids are at memorizing.

[jpsn]

I don't agree with standarized tests either. :mad: I think they are a VERY inaccurate way to evaluate students.

[karenlyn]

Well, some tests, like the Iowa test, are important to get an idea of where you child is, knowledge and ability wise, in relation to other children. No, all kids are not the same and no, you shouldnt compare their abilities because they're all different... but I think tests like the Iowa are important, because whether parents like it or not, kids of different ability (and different types of ability) are going to be grouped together learning the same things in the same ways until they graduate. This give you and idea of how it's going for your child, even if it doesn't measure their REAL ability. Just a comparative idea.

[ShotoJuku]

Standardized tests are designed to measure a broad scope of learning rather than depth providing both the teacher and the learner a greater sense of overall understanding of a topic area. They're not perfect, but they do provide a benchmark of averages for all students; it's up to them to to achieve an above average score by applying themselves through study.

[tater03]

I guess I will have to look into these a little more. As a parent I just like to be on top of what is expected of my children. I never realized that so many people were so againest them. What exactly do they do if they find that your child is not passing these tests? Do they work with those kids a little more one on one on what they are needing help with?

[ShotoJuku]

I guess I will have to look into these a little more. As a parent I just like to be on top of what is expected of my children. I never realized that so many people were so againest them. What exactly do they do if they find that your child is not passing these tests? Do they work with those kids a little more one on one on what they are needing help with?

Which test are you referring to (SAT's)?

Have you looked into: www.standarddeviants.com ? They have GREAT dvd's on just about any school based topic - Good Luck!!

[tater03]

Thanks for the link, but I was actually talking about the standerdized testing they have started in the elementary schools now. Thanks again though for the link.

[Starlily]

Here in Canada the kids have these in grade 4 and grade 7. There is also really mixed opinion of them here...

As a homelearning parent I feel that it is just for the government, and has absolutely no relevance to us...

I guess if the children INSIST on participating, I'll have to let them...sigh... LOL (Honestly though it would be kind of interesting to see how they do on it without any pressure or cramming...)