Alberta is revisiting the notion of standardized testing,
known as provincial achievement tests, in grades 3, 6, and 9. According the Edmonton Journal on March 24,2013 (http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Alberta+standardized+school+tests+will+emphasize+competency+over+content/8146027/story.html)
it appears there is interest in shifting the exams from content based to
competency based. I am pleased to hear there is less emphasis on regurgitating
facts and increased emphasis on application. However, I was really hoping for a
complete disruption to standardized tests.
Similar to other educators, I have typical questions about
standardized testing. I recognize that simply
asking these questions will not cause a disruption to standardized testing.
- Is it necessary to continue testing ALL students in particular grades across the entire province or could sample testing provide similar results?
- A teacher already informs the parents about student progress (with much more detail than one exam can provide), so what is the purpose of the standardized test?
- An increasing amount of students are using personally owned devices regularly for learning and demonstrating their learning. Will contemporary standardized tests continue to demand students use old technologies (paper/pen, CD, etc.)?
- What are some strategies to help alleviate the increased anxiety for students writing standardized tests?
- What format will be used to test application of learning?
- Are there also changes for the high school diploma exams (weighted 50% of grade) on the horizon?
I will offer an uncommon testing scenario to
stimulate discussion about disrupting standardized testing.
A middle school child was extremely excited to be nominated
to write an exam. The child prepared for
the exam individually and in discussion with a teacher at the school providing
mentorship. Preparation for the exam involved
practicing the competencies at school and engaging in some self-directed time
at home reviewing the related content.
The exam was scheduled on a non-instructional day. The parent dropped off the child at school
for the exam and the child was beyond excitement to have this opportunity to
write the exam. When the parent returned
to the school, two hours later, the child came beaming out of the school with a
grin ear-to-ear and proudly carrying a type written sheet. The child immediately read the letter that
was written as part of the exam process.
This is a true story about my child when he was nominated to write an
exam in order to receive a patrol award.
How often are kids asked to write a letter about themselves providing
evidence of their competencies as part of an exam? How often are kids this
excited about writing exams?
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