In this chapter Wagner gives examples of current standardized tests and points out their flaws. One major flaw is that the current standardized tests do not test critical thinking skills or other twenty first century skills. He asserts that these test only tell if a student can memorize and regurgitate facts on command. What Wagner describes is similar to my own experiences with taking standardized tests. I remember taking the tests every year and trying my best because my teachers and parents said that it was important for me to score well. In elementary school my teachers would even give us candy to try and motivate us to do well. The tests seemed to be much more important to the teachers than the students. When I got to high school I remember wondering why I should take the test seriously if it didn't count towards my grade and colleges didn't look at the scores. It was just another test I had too take, but it didn't benefit me in any way. I feel that if it is a test worth taking students should feel it is important in some way. I also agree that the majority of the test questions required only a very low level of depth of knowledge. I would relate it to doing a long pointless worksheet all day long. I think that standardized tests should require students to use technology and have more questions that require explanations or justifications. I see the purpose of standardized tests, but I think that they need to be testing to see if we are teaching our students the skills that are necessary to be successful in society today.
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AuthorMy name is Brooke and I am a teacher candidate in the CSUSM credential program. I am currently long-term subbing Integrated Math 1 and Math 180 classes at Vista High. Archives
May 2015
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