I don't believe that standardized tests are the most accurate or appropriate way to determine the understanding that a child has. In order to determine what a child knows, they should be assessed in many ways. When standardized tests are used, teachers are only able to learn about one dimension of the child, not the whole child. Many children struggle during these long and tedious tests and it makes it difficult for them to do well, even if they do know the content of what is being tested. A more appropriate way to assess children is by allowing them to use hands on measures. It is also important that the assessments are being done over time so that it is clear to see what the child is learning. Each child should also have a portfolio and be assessed with one on one time or in small groups so that the teacher can personally see what the child is learning.
We study a lot about how well children in Finland learn and since my brother is currently living there, it always fascinates me to learn about their ways of learning. In an article I read about Finland changing their ways and coming out on top, I was intrigued when the author quoted that, "The Finns have worked systematically over 35 years to make sure that competent professionals who can craft the best learning conditions for all students are in all schools, rather than thinking that standardized instruction and related testing can be brought in at the last minute to improve student learning and turn around failing schools (Sahlberg, 2009, p. 22)" (Darling-Hammond, 2015). It takes intelligent people, who care about children, to make the difference that our country needs. Standardized tests don't do anything to help children succeed. Finland has completely gotten rid of external standardized testing in schools and only has one exam that can be taken before going to a university, but is not required (Darling-Hammond, 2015). This type of testing that we use too often in America, takes away the power that teachers have to teach to the needs of each child, instead they have to teach to the test and it takes away a lot of the important learning that should be taking place. Standardized testing is so focused on rankings, that the children sometimes seem to be forgotten here, but in Finland the "main purpose of assessing students is to guide and encourage students’ own reflection and self-assessment" (Darling-Hammond, 2015). Finland was not always successful in their educational system, but they learned how to succeed and I believe that our country could gain a lot helpful ideas from them.
References
Darling-Hammond, L. (2015). What we can learn from Finland's successful school reform.
National education association. Retrieved from
http://www.nea.org/home/40991.htm
