Standardized Tests

I abhor standardized tests. I will never see a point in them and I’m sure many others share my low opinion of them. As a child I felt that I was only as good as the tests told me I was. Every year I would become extremely anxious when we were testing, I knew that I wasn’t going to grade high on the math section and I was friends with some of the smartest kids in school. I would become embarrassed when we received our results and they would ask me in what percentile I was. I feel like I expected myself to do terribly and so I did, which made me put forth less effort in my math classes since I thought I wasn’t smart enough. I also feel like these tests really don’t reflect the districts ability to teach. Not all students are on the same level cognitively, so it is unfair to give the same test to everyone. The special education school in which I am currently employed is now testing. This is completely absurd to me because I know that many of the kids still cannot even read at the age of 12. These students are unable to have assistance from the teacher, and cannot have the questions read aloud to them. What I was told was that these students are only asked to copy the directions of the test and that’s how they take it. What?!? How does this prove anything to the state at all? It really irks me that these antiquated tests are still given to the students and I still cannot see their purpose.

Report Cards

I believe that report cards are an easy and effective way to keep track of students’ educational growth. These grades can effectively capture the attention of a parent with a child who is not achieving their full potential. Upon receiving these grades students can also feel proud of their accomplishments as well as try and work more diligently on other areas that might need improving. I also think it’s important to make sure the parents understand why their child might be receiving a poor grade in a certain subject. As a teacher I would like to be able to comment along with the grades in order to explain why the student received a low mark. As well as report cards I believe that progress reports are conducive to encouraging students to pick up the slack and work harder. If the student and parent see that halfway through the marking period their grade is poor, they will be able to work harder to bring it up for the report card.

Essay and Multiple Choice Tests

I believe that both essay tests and multiple-choice tests are nothing without the other. If I were to give my class a multiple choice test am I really finding out whether they have grasped the concept of the subject? Without adding on essay questions I can never really be sure whether the students are just making random guesses at the answers or if they truly understand what is being asked. Essay questions allow me to see that not only did the student grasp the topic, but they can also explain it in their own words. It is important to know that the class is comprehending the material as well as memorizing it.

Portfolios

The idea of portfolios is more appealing then actually using portfolios for a type of assessment. I remember having portfolios in third grade rather than report cards. I would choose random assignments and write whatever could quickly come into my mind about them. My parents would set up an appointment to come in and see my portfolio and to speak about my progress with my teacher. I would sit outside the classroom while this went on, left out of the whole process. I would much rather be able to see a grade than to have this abstract idea about my supposed progress. This is why I believe I will stick with tests in my own classroom this way I can see what my students really know and where they are struggling.

Teacher Expectations

There is so much that one can hope to expect from her students. Respect is one of my key hopes for when I become an educator. I doubt that much learning can be achieved if the students do not value the teacher’s time and hard work. I expect that my students will see me as someone that is kind but firm and approachable. I know that if I show students the respect that they each deserve that it will be given in return. I also expect students to do all of their own work, and not cheat. They may have that proclivity for trickery, but I hope that since I would not deceive them they would offer me the same courtesy. I expect that students will feel comfortable enough with me that they can come to me with questions about problems that are school, home, and socially related. I do expect quite a bit from my students, but most of all I have to expect the unexpected because kids will be kids no matter how tremendous one is as a teacher or how well behaved the students are.

Homework

It is imperative for teachers to assign homework to their students. Using this type of formative assessment helps students practice and understand what they have been taught. Homework shows teachers how the students are grasping or even misunderstanding lessons. Sadly some parents have the misconstrued idea that they should be doing the work for their son or daughter. This can only hurt the child in that they will not get the needed practice to prepare them for class tests or even life skills. If the students complete their homework appropriately, they will be able to progress more efficiently in their learning experiences.

Rubrics

Rubrics are a great form of assessment. They are clear and concise, which enables parents and children to understand how the teacher is grading student work. Handing out rubrics before an assignment is due also helps students figure out what the teacher is going to be looking for, which facilitates their ability to be more efficient in their work. I love the idea of giving students rubrics so that they can grade themselves. If students are honest with their self evaluations they might be able to realize what they could improve on next time. I was never given a self evaluation while I was in school, but I have seen it done in the school that I work at. I see the kids put forth more effort because they want to deserve the grade they give themselves. I'm so excited to use RubiStar because now it won't take me forever to actually make rubrics, so I'll be able to use them even more in my lessons!